Among the litany of Kongs accomplishments at BWH Hotel Group include growing the businesss brand name portfolio from its flagship Best Western Hotels and Resorts to a portfolio of 18 brands under the BWH Hotel Group umbrella and across each market segment from budget to luxury, store to extended stay; guiding the company to strong RevPAR, occupancy and visitor complete satisfaction ratings and constructing strong financial performance to supply strong returns to investors.
A new CEO will be called at the companys Annual Convention in early October.
The industry veteran will step down at the end of 2021, bringing to a close an extremely successful hospitality profession with BWH Hotel Group, which he signed up with in 2001 before being called as CEO in 2004. His 17 years at the helm of the company makes him the longest serving CEO at any significant hotel business.
BWH Hotel Group President and CEO, David Kong, has actually announced he will head for a well-earned retirement after 20 years transforming the company into a worldwide industry leader in hospitality and lodging.
VIDEO: David Kongs peers pay tribute to their retiring leader
” I have actually always wished to proceed at my peak. With our caring culture, our extraordinary hoteliers, executive team, and corporate staff, I have no doubt the best is yet to come for BWH Hotel Group.”
” I feel blessed to have actually been surrounded by exceptional teams throughout my profession and through sheer passion and devotion, we have gone after bold dreams and attained what many might have thought about impossible,” Kong said.
Kong has likewise played a driving role in the company weathering the economic destruction wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw USD$ 65 million in cost refunds provided to hoteliers given that March 2020, presenting an enhanced cleaning policy and new operating standards which resulted in the intro of the We Care Clean protocols.
” David took the company through a considerable improvement from a single brand name to a multi brand name household,” stated Choice Hotels International President and CEO, Pat Pacious.
Kongs retirement statement was swiftly followed by plaudits from fellow market leaders who jointly praised Kong as a guy and a coach who brought a sense of family to life at Best Western.
Kong said he felt extremely lucky to have played a function in structure BWH Hotel Group into the brand it is today.
” That needed a great deal of listening, a great deal of collaboration and a lot of persuasion, but produced a great result for his business and his members.”
” Everyone connected with Best Western has a similar household feel and I believe David did an excellent task of nurturing that even as he was browsing and leading a really substantial change for the company,” added Hyatt Hotels Corporation CEO, Mark Hoplamazian.
David Kong in 2015 announcing yet another new brand for Best Western Hotels and Resorts.
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