Hosts Global's Leadership Transformation: Marti Winer Takes the Helm
In a significant development for the event and destination management industry, Hosts Global, a full-service destination management company (DMC) with extensive operations across North America, has announced the appointment of Marti Winer as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2026. This change is part of a strategic leadership transition that aims to support the company's ongoing growth and global expansion.
Winer, who has been serving as the Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Hosts West, is stepping up to fill the role previously occupied by Kurt Paben, who will transition to Vice Chair before retiring at the end of 2026. This planned transition is indicative of a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing innovation and enhancing client experiences while fostering team development.
With over twenty years of executive leadership experience, Winer is well-equipped to lead Hosts Global into its next chapter. She brings a wealth of experience in destination management, hospitality, experiential marketing, and event production. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the reopening of Casa Bonita in Colorado and previously held the position of Vice President of Event Productions at MGM Resorts International, where she coordinated an impressive portfolio of over 2,200 annual events.
Frank Andrews, the Chairman of Hosts Global, expressed his full confidence in Winer's capabilities as a leader. He described her as having a unique blend of strategic vision, operational discipline, and creativity, paired with a commitment to fostering a positive culture and prioritizing relationships with people, clients, and partners.
As she takes the reins, Winer acknowledges the vital role that live events play in the success of businesses and emphasizes that Hosts is uniquely positioned in the industry. She views the company's combination of global reach and local expertise as a significant advantage, allowing it to adapt to the dynamic needs of meetings, incentives, and live events.
"We must keep learning, embrace new ideas, and strive to create even greater value for our clients and Alliance partners," Winer remarked. Her leadership philosophy hinges on listening, continuous improvement, and nurturing relationships – essential elements for any thriving organization.
The leadership transition comes at a crucial time as the events industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic. Paben noted that the goal in choosing Winer was not just to maintain momentum, but to ramp it up, highlighting the energetic and people-centric approach Winer brings.
"I'm excited to work closely with Marti in the upcoming months to ensure a seamless transition," he added, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the organization.
Under Paben's leadership, Hosts Global navigated the challenges of the pandemic and emerged stronger, setting a solid foundation for future growth. He will continue to work alongside Winer during this transitional phase, ensuring the continuation of the positive trajectory that the company has established.
In conclusion, the appointment of Marti Winer as CEO marks a new and exciting era for Hosts Global, one that promises innovation and an unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. The company, with its extensive experience and a firm commitment to excellence, aims to navigate the evolving landscape of the destination management sector effectively.
For further information about Hosts Global and its services, visit
www.hosts-global.com.