Hospitality Veteran Bob Small Dies at Age 74

Robert “Bob” I. Small died May 15, 2014 in California. Mr. Small was a 40-year veteran of the hospitality industry and an award-winning hotelier. Since his retirement as the CEO and president of Fairmont Hotels in the late ’90s, Mr. Small consulted on various hospitality projects. Previously, he served as executive vice president for Walt Disney World Resort Division as well as vice president of Western region resorts for Marriott International Inc.

George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando and former executive with The Walt Disney Co., commented, “I joined Bob’s team when I first arrived at Disney in 1990 to head up his Resort Sales and Marketing division. Through his vision, strong level of quality service and motivating management style, Bob quickly positioned the Disney brand as a leader in the industry.”

Former colleague Jim Rye, president of Rymark International, remembers, “Bob Small was a larger-than-life individual who will be remembered as a trail blazer in the hospitality Industry.  Bob significantly impacted me both professionally and in my personal life.  I am sure he influenced many others during the course of his career. Rest in peace.”

A native of New Rochelle, New York, Mr. Small resided in Ross and Rancho Mirage, California. Donations may be made in his name to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486 (www.mdanderson.org)