HELRA Board Member

Robert Habeeb is the Founder and CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants. Based in Chicago and with an office in Boston, Maverick has earned a reputation as an industry leader for its innovative and forward-looking approaches to development and management of hotels and restaurants. With a long resume of successful hospitality developments Mr. Habeeb is one of the most sought-after experts in the industry. Among his recent projects he gained national attention for his ambitious redevelopment of a large swath of Chicago’s famous Navy Pier.

Prior to Maverick, Habeeb served for 21 years as First Hospitality Group’s high-profile President and CEO. He is regarded as one of the leading voices in the hospitality industry today. Over his tenure at FHG, the company saw significant growth, and earned a long list of recognitions including multiple years as “best of” category on Forbes Magazine’s “Best Employers” and INC Magazine’s “Fastest Growing Companies” lists.  

Mr. Habeeb is also dedicated to doing his part in nurturing tomorrow’s hospitality leaders through education. He has received an impressive list of recognitions including “Global Hotelier of The Year.”  He is a frequent and popular industry speaker and author. His innovative approaches to management have been widely recognized in and out of the hospitality industry. With a strong passion for educating those pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, Habeeb serves as a long-time member of the adjunct faculty of Chicago’s Roosevelt University, where he teaches at a graduate level in the Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality Management. He has served on numerous industry and academic boards and councils, including the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association where he served two terms as Chairman. He is widely considered the “go-to” guy and leading expert on the hospitality industry, and his passion for his craft is clearly seen throughout his work.