SPEAKERS

As the Vice President, Extended Stay Operations, Jimmy Taylor leverages his more than 20-year expertise and knowledge of the operations and sales arenas to promote the continued growth and improvement of the Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotel brands.  Jimmy works with IHG’s franchise owners & operators as well as our managed portfolio to ensure these two brands maximize their revenue and guest service offerings.

Jimmy has been promoted into roles of increasing responsibility since he began his hotel career in 1992 as Director of Sales with Summerfield Suites Hotel Corporation, later as General Manager for Summerfield, until he left the company to help launch the Candlewood Suites brand as Regional General Manager.  After the successful opening of more than 30 hotels, Jimmy joined Bass Hotels and Resorts, now IHG, as the first General Manager for the newly developed Staybridge Suites brand, followed by his promotion to Area General Manager.

His promotion to the role of Regional Sales Director for the Southeast region first brought Jimmy to the IHG corporate office in Atlanta, with ensuing appointments to Corporate Director of Sales for Staybridge Suites, and the same role for Candlewood Suites after their acquisition by IHG in 2004. In 2006, he was named Vice President - Extended Stay Sales for both Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites. In June 2009, Jimmy assumed the role of Vice President, US Sales, launching IHG’s Mid-Market Account Program, that pairs the room needs of mid-sized companies with IHG’s hotels across the US and Canada.  In June 2014 he was appointed Vice President, Operations & Sales, Extended Stay, again for both brands. 

Jimmy serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board as well as the Hospitality Board of the University of Arkansas. He was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for his athletic performance both at High School and at College level.