Michael Gibson
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Michael Gibson’s story in the hospitality industry is one of hard work, honesty, and ethical progression. Starting as a restaurant cook, Michael found his passion for the hospitality industry while gaining invaluable experience only offered to those who begin at the bottom of the ladder. He went on to open over forty upscale restaurants in Tennessee, Texas, and California.
In his transition from restaurant to hotel management, Michael worked as a General Manager, Asset Manager, and Regional Manager of Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental Hotel Group Brands. He became Vice President of Operations and Development for Carlisle Hospitality Group and a District Director for Food & Beverage Operations at InterContinental Hotel Group’s Corporate headquarters. Michael also served in a leading position within concept development at InterContinental Hotel Group’s corporate offices.
In 2000, Michael created Gibson Hotel Management, Inc., with a core philosophy of Servant Leadership. He oversees all operations, development, and acquisition activities, serving as the bedrock for the company’s ethos. In doing so, Michael has gained a reputation for his ability to create mutually rewarding relationships, motivate company associates, and think outside the box in order to forge “win-win” solutions.
Michael Gibson and Gibson Hotel Management, Inc. has been recognized numerous times by Marriott, Hilton Worldwide, and InterContinental Hotel Group for developing and operating award winning hotels. Within these world-renowned franchises, Michael has overseen the management, development, and acquisition of premium hotel brands such as Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn (full service), Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott.
Michael earned the American Hotel & Lodging Association Award for Tennessee (2012), and was also the Tennessee Hotelier of the Year (2011). Under Michael’s leadership, GHMI has been recognized as a Top Hotel Management Company (2012 & 2013). Further, he has served as the Chairman and President of the Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association, Chairman of the Governor’s Tourism Conference, and Director for the Knoxville Tourism Alliance.
Michael remains heavily engaged in community initiatives, with a special focus on the Wounded Warrior Project. This endeavor takes a holistic approach to serving soldiers and their families in order to foster a well-adjusted generation of wounded service members. He has also served as Chairman of the Tennessee Education and Award Committee.
Accomplishments & Affiliations
Career Accomplishments & Affiliations
- Recognized as a Top Hotel Management Company by Hotel Management magazine in 2012 & 2013
- Tennessee Hotelier of the Year Award 2011
- American Hotel & Lodging Association Leadership for Tennessee Award 2012
- Chairman & President, Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association (3 Years)
- Chairman & Board Member of Pellissippi Tourism Hotel & Culinary School (8 Years)
- Co-Chairman Tennessee Hospitality Education East Council (5 Years)
- Chairman of Tennessee Tourism Round-table (2 years)
- Chairman Governors Conference Tourism (2 years)
- Chairman Tennessee Education and Award Committee (10 years)
- Board Member Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership (3 years)
- Board Member Marketing & Communication Committee Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership (3 years)
- Board Member Helen Ross McNabb – Federal Programs Unemployment & Assistance (3 years)
- Hotelier of the Year Award – Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association (2000)
- University of Tennessee Advisory Board Member of Tourism & Lodging Program (3 years)
- Most Valuable Volunteer Award State of Tennessee by American Hotel and Lodging Association (2001)
- The Tennessee Hospitality Education Council 2001 Industry Leadership Award (2001)
- Knoxville Tourism Alliance - Knoxville Board Director (5 Years)
- Chairman of All Saints Men’s Ministry
- Knights of Columbus Member – 4 Degree Worthy Sir Knight
- SKAL Club International Member – 10 years
Food & Beverage Development
Food & Beverage Developments
Dobbs House Inc. – Upscale theme restaurant division. Expansion team leader in Tennessee & Texas
San Francisco - Theme restaurant development. Co-owner & operator
McShea’s Restaurant- High quality neighborhood concept – CEO/Owner
RMD- Hooters Investment Group Partner
Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille – Partner, developer
Hotels Developed, Managed or Owned
Hotels Developed, Owned, and/or Managed by Gibson Hotel Management & Development, Inc:
In each of the hotels below, Michael Gibson & Gibson Hotel Management & Development, Inc. associates played an central role in site selection, capitol pool structuring, branding, construction expertise, and day to day operations management.
| Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge, TN Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach, SC Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville, TN Hampton Inn Cedar Bluff - Knoxville, TN (Acquisition) Hampton Inn & Suites Smyrna, TN Hilton Garden Inn Smyrna, TN Courtyard by Marriott Alcoa, TN Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cookeville, TN Fairfield Inn by Marriott Owensboro, KY Fairfield Inn by Marriott Alcoa, TN SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pigeon Forge, TN Holiday Inn Knoxville, TN (Acquisition) Holiday Inn Express Alcoa, TN Holiday Inn Express Powell, TN (Acquisition)
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Managing Partner |