Kurt Paben

Kurt Paben has a diverse work experience spanning over three decades. Kurt currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Hosts Global since January 2022. Prior to this, they held the position of President, Global Sales & Marketing at Hosts Global from September 2019 to December 2021.

Before joining Hosts Global, Kurt worked at Aimia Inc. from January 2017 to February 2019 as the President of Americas / Chief Commercial Officer (Global) for Insights & Loyalty Solutions (ILS). Their responsibilities included leading global commercial activities and full P&L responsibility for the Americas region. Kurt managed a team of over 200 loyalty professionals across multiple offices worldwide.

Earlier in their career, Kurt held various leadership roles at Aimia Inc., including President of Channel and Employee Loyalty/Events from October 2014 to May 2017, Senior Vice President, Head of Channel & Employee Loyalty/Events from August 2013 to October 2014, and Senior Vice President, Client Services, Tech/Telco Events from October 2009 to August 2013. In these roles, they oversaw commercial and operational aspects, managed significant budgets and teams, and developed data-driven programs for Fortune 500 clients.

Prior to Aimia Inc., Kurt worked at Carlson Marketing from 1986 to 2009, where they held key positions such as Senior Vice President, Client Services, Tech/Telco Events, and Vice President, Business Development | Events. Kurt played a crucial role in Carlson Marketing's acquisition by Aimia/Groupe Aeroplan and delivered impressive results in business development and client services.

Overall, Kurt Paben has extensive experience in executive leadership, sales, marketing, and client management across the loyalty, events, and marketing industries.

Kurt Paben holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business. Kurt also completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management. In 2015, they obtained certification as a Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS).