Rob Blood

Leadership Track

Aug 7

Founder & Chairman of Lark |
Principal of Elder & Ash

A little bit about Rob…

Rob Blood embarked on his hospitality journey at 26 as an innkeeper on Nantucket Island, where he cultivated a passion for crafting exceptional guest experiences, mastering the art of hospital corners, and perfecting freshly baked scones. This early experience also revealed the profitability potential of smaller, well-located, and thoughtfully designed hotels.

In 2004, a year after his Nantucket venture, Rob acquired his first lodging property in Kennebunkport, Maine. Over the past two decades, he has expanded his involvement to the management and ownership of over 80 meticulously curated hotels and more than 20 restaurants across North America. Rob's hands-on experience, from scrubbing toilets to line cooking and general management, underscores his belief that Lark's success stems from his ability to learn quickly and, more importantly, his talent for assembling outstanding teams.

As the Founder and Chairman of Lark, Rob oversees a real estate portfolio valued at nearly $1 billion, generating an annual revenue stream approaching $150 million. His dedication to creating exceptional experiences extends beyond guests to encompass Lark's crew and the many investors who fuel the company's hotel development.

Beyond his leadership role at Lark Hotels, Rob is also a partner in the design studio Elder & Ash and a principal at Lark's affiliate development firm, Lark Capital.