Choice Hires Shaun Smithson
Smithson to Focus on Franchisee Retention, Product Quality and Enforcement and Property/Brand Fit
SILVER SPRING, MD, April 26, 2006. Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) today announced that it has hired Shaun Smithson as senior director, brand management. Smithson joins the brand strategy team where he will look at ways to improve key brand management processes for the midscale brands, which include Clarion, Quality, Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn and Sleep Inn. Smithson will focus on processes that affect franchisee retention, product quality and enforcement and property/brand fit. He reports to Aaron Katz, vice president, brand management and strategy.
"Shaun is going to focus his energies on three areas that are essential to any franchisor's success: retaining franchisees, ensuring hotels are meeting brand standards and evaluating whether the physical property fits with the flag that the hotel is flying," said Katz. "Focusing on those key areas will help strengthen the Choice system, which is a plus for both the franchisor, Choice Hotels, and the franchisees. Shaun's experience prior to Choice made him a natural fit to fill this important role."
Smithson comes to Choice Hotels with a diverse hospitality background, most recently as Senior Director, Hotel Performance Support with Hilton Hotels Inc, within the Hilton Garden Inn brand. Prior to his five years with Hilton Hotels, Smithson was with LRA Worldwide where he worked as a consultant within the quality assurance programs for brands such as Sheraton, Hilton and Radisson. Additionally, Smithson brings significant experience managing properties for Holiday Inn Worldwide and Homestead Village, as well as ownership and executive management in restaurants in Atlanta and Orlando. Smithson began his hospitality career with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in the chef apprenticeship program where he earned his Certified Cook certificate.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from State University of New York - Empire State College, and his CHA certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. He has been a member of the AH&LA's Council of Inns and Suites since 2004.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
