HOUSTON-Brent Smith, regional manager of Marcus & Millichap’s local office, is now in charge of the firm’s National Hospitality Group. His official title is national director, according to John J. Kerin, president and CEO of Marcus & Millichap.

Smith replaces Robert Hicks, who will focus solely on Marcus & Millichap’s National Land Group, which he leads. Smith will focus on building the firm’s hospitality business, while Sacramento, CA-based Hicks will dedicate his efforts to building and expanding the land group, according to a spokesperson for Marcus & Millichap.

Smith will supervise roughly 50 hospitality investment specialists nationwide. Additionally, the firm is actively recruiting hospitality brokers across the US.