Craig Greenberg named CEO of 21c Museum Hotels
Founder and Chairman Steve Wilson will continue to guide vision, brand development
Louisville, Ky. (September 12, 2017) –21c Museum Hotels today announced that Craig Greenberg will succeed Steve Wilson as CEO of the growing hospitality company, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Greenberg, who has served as President of 21c Museum Hotels since 2012, will now serve as President and CEO.
Wilson, who founded the company with his wife Laura Lee Brown in 2006, will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board, responsible for guiding the vision and development of the brand and growing the contemporary art collection.
What began as a community revitalization project in downtown Louisville has transformed into a new museum model, hospitality brand, management and development company, which operates seven boutique hotels, eight chef-driven restaurants, and employs more than 1,000 teammates. With multiple projects under development, 21c Museum Hotels’ growth continues at a healthy pace.
“Laura Lee and I had a vision for a redevelopment effort that could also provide greater access to contemporary art in our hometown. Since those early days, the company has experienced rapid growth, always maintaining contemporary art and genuine hospitality at its core,” said Wilson. “Craig has played a vital role in 21c’s development since the beginning, and we know the company is poised for continued success under his leadership.”
As President and CEO, Greenberg will oversee all aspects of the company’s portfolio of museum hotels and restaurants and is responsible for guiding the company’s overall direction and strategic objectives.
“I feel privileged to have been a part of 21c since its inception, and I’m humbled to take on this new role,” shared Greenberg. “Laura Lee and Steve’s vision, courage, and commitment have certainly benefitted so many of us – locals and travelers alike, artists, and 21c teammates. I look forward to carrying their vision forward into this next phase of the company’s growth and continuing to work with them in this new capacity.”
Greenberg leads the organization together with partners Chett Abramson, Chief Operations Officer; Sarah Robbins, Chief Hospitality Officer; Phillip Allen, Chief Development Officer; Alice Gray Stites, Chief Curator and Museum Director; Molly Swyers, Chief Brand Officer.
During Greenberg’s tenure as President of 21c Museum Hotels, the company has expanded from its flagship in Louisville to include properties in six additional markets, hired more than 1,000 teammates, overseen real estate developments in excess of $380 million, and organized more than 100 exhibitions in over 75,000 square feet of exhibition space. Prior to 21c, Greenberg was an attorney with Frost Brown Todd in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Harvard Law School and the University of Michigan and serves on the Board of Directors for Republic Bancorp and ISCO Industries.
21c Museum Hotels operates in Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati, Bentonville, Durham, Oklahoma City, and Nashville and has been recognized over the years by notable industry groups and respected publications – listed among the top hotels in the world according to Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice, Travel + Leisure World’s Best, USA Today 10Best, U.S. News & World Report and many others. The company has also been recognized for growth, named to the Fast 5000, Inc. magazine’s annual ranking of America’s fastest growing companies.
