Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE:CHH) todayannounced that Australian native David Bayes has been named managingdirector of Choice Hotels Australasia, effective October 17, 2005.
Prior to joining Choice Hotels Australasia, Bayes, 58, served aschief operating officer for Mortgage Choice, Australia's leadingmortgage broker where he was responsible for the sales and operationalfunctions of the company. Previously, he held the post of chiefexecutive officer and director for Bakers Delight Holdings, LTD, aleading franchising organization operating 670 outlets in Australia,New Zealand and Canada; vice president and regional director for theSouthern Region of McDonald's Australia; and a member of the inauguralboard of McDonald's Australia that expanded the business to over 550units in the country. Additionally, Bayes owned and operated threesuccessful McDonald's Restaurants in the state of Victoria and,earlier in his career, held management roles with Qantas Airways.
"With over 25 years of experience in Australia as both afranchisor and franchisee, David is well positioned to lead ChoiceHotels Australasia and further expand our network of hotels inAustralia and New Zealand," said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Choice'spresident and chief executive officer.
"David brings a keen understanding of the Australasian marketplaceand is committed to the success of our franchisees in the region,"added Bruce Haase, Choice Hotels' senior vice president, internationaldivision.
Bayes succeeds Brent Russell, who will be returning to the UnitedStates after serving two years at the helm of Choice HotelsAustralasia.
"Initiatives launched under Brent's leadership include thesuccessful introduction of franchise service and training initiatives,dramatically enhanced marketing and partnership programs, and theestablishment of a strong base for future growth of our brandsthroughout the Pacific," said Haase. "We appreciate Brent's leadershipand wish him much success."
Since the July 1, 2002 acquisition of Melbourne-based Flag ChoiceHotels, Choice Hotels International has significantly accelerated thegrowth of the Clarion, Quality and Comfort Inn brands throughout theregion. Choice Hotels Australasia franchises more than 300 hotels openrepresenting nearly 17,000 guestrooms.
Choice Hotels International is one of the world's largest lodgingfranchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or underdevelopment in 44 countries territories under the Clarion, Quality,Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodgeand Rodeway Inn brand names. The company's newest brand, CambriaSuites, launched in January 2005. For more information on Choice,visit the company's web site at www.choicehotels.com.
Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, ComfortSuites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, andRodeway Inn are proprietary trademarks and service marks of ChoiceHotels International.
(C)2005 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.
