Chris Gibbs appointed director of Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at TMU

Gibbs, who previously served as an associate professor at the school, brings more than two decades of hospitality, tourism, sports and entertainment industry experience to the leadership role. He officially stepped into the position following the conclusion of Frédéric Dimanche’s term as director.

Gibbs joined TMU after a career that included senior marketing and operations roles at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Livent Inc., Travel CUTS and Playdium Entertainment. His academic work has focused on the intersection of hospitality and digital innovation, including research into mobile technology adoption, Airbnb pricing strategies and tourism tied to video game culture.

In a statement on the school’s website, TMU noted that Gibbs ​“finds ​‘white space’ where he creates new business opportunities, builds strategic partnerships, and leads with energy and inspiration.”

Gibbs hold a PhD in Media Studies from Stirling University, MBA from Ted Rogers School of Management and BComm from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

He has received several institutional awards, including the 2022 Errol Aspevig Award for Academic Leadership and the 2016 Vice-Provost Experiential Teaching Award.

In his new role, Gibbs will oversee the school’s academic programming, student engagement initiatives and external partnerships, with a focus on expanding experiential learning and strengthening ties to Canada’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

The Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is Canada’s largest program of its kind and is part of TMU’s Ted Rogers School of Management.