After 26 years with STR, Bobby Bowers is set to retire from his role as SVP of operations effective April 1.
Bowers, who began his tenure in January 1995, was the first hotel industry professional hired by STR co-founders Randy and Carolyn Smith. Bowers spent 15 years with Holiday Inn and served as director of competitor analysis before joining STR.
“Bobby’s hiring goes on the timeline of STR’s most important milestones,” STR President Amanda Hite said. “His client perspective was unique to STR at that time and has contributed greatly to growth of the company and our data offerings. Bobby has managed relationships with some of our largest global clients and fostered a service culture that will leave an indelible impact on the success of our company.”
Bowers was a regular presenter at hotel industry events and one of STR’s spokespeople in support of media coverage of the industry.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of STR’s growth over these last few decades,” Bowers said. “I knew at the time I was getting in on something special, but I’d be lying if I said I expected this level of success. With CoStar Group behind it, STR has just scratched the surface and is well-positioned to take its success to another level in the coming years. Now is the right time for me to step aside and allow opportunities for others to take on larger roles in STR’s future.”