Choice Names Dan Couture Regional VP, Extended Stay Development
SILVER SPRING, MD, February 22, 2006. Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) recently announced the promotion of Dan Couture to the position of regional vice president, extended stay development. In his new position, Couture will oversee the company's newly created national extended stay franchise sales force and be responsible for overseeing the strategic growth of both the MainStay Suites and Suburban brands in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
Couture will report to Ron Burgett, vice president, franchise sales and development.
"In his twelve years at Choice, Dan has taken on a number of challenges with overwhelming success," said Burgett. "His leadership skills and personal drive combined with his in-depth knowledge of hotel operations, franchise sales and hotel development will move our extended stay brands to the next level of success."
Couture will lead a team of 9 dedicated franchise sales directors focused on growing the MainStay Suites and Suburban Extended Stay Hotel brands. Combined, the two brands have almost 100 hotels open throughout the U.S. The MainStay Suites hotel brand, developed by Choice, was the industry's first franchised mid-priced extended stay lodging product. The Suburban Extended Stay Hotel brand, acquired by Choice in late 2005, is a leader in the economy extended stay-lodging segment.
"Dan is a proven leader with a commitment to excellence and integrity," said Kevin Lewis, vice president, extended stay brands. "His keen understanding of the hotel development process combined with his operations and support experience make his appointment a win-win for Choice and prospective developers."
Couture has more than 30 years experience in the hospitality industry including hotel operations, franchise sales and franchise services. Previously, Couture directed Choice's franchise administration and property conversion services department. He also held positions as regional vice president franchise sales in the Midwest region and vice president, franchise development in Canada. Prior to Choice, Dan worked for Cendant, Doubletree, Accor and Radisson as well as several independent hotels and restaurants.
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