Robert Cole contributes to Phocuswright on topics related to hospitality, technology, distribution and traveler engagement. He has authored numerous papers for Phocuswright and has served in industry leadership roles, serving as co-chair of the HTNG/AHLA Hospitality ID working group, on the hospitality & travel special interest group of the Distributed Identity Foundation, the HSMAI Marketing Advisory Board; a founding member of the OpenTravel Alliance interoperability committee, and the HEDNA Board of Directors.

Mr. Cole is also founder of RockCheetah, a hotel marketing strategy and travel technology consulting practice with clients including leading travel-related organizations like Marriott, Accor, Choice, Amadeus, Cvent and National Geographic. He also advises leading private equity, venture capital and institutional investment analysts in the areas of hospitality, technology and travel distribution.

Robert has over 40 years of travel industry experience. Prior to working with Phocuswright, Mr. Cole served as vice president, destination experience for mega-wholesaler Mark Travel; vice president of hotel and car for dynamic packaging pioneer Neat Group; director of hospitality development for Sabre Group; and corporate director of marketing planning for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. He holds a B.S. degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.