Westmont Hospitality Canada Appoints Gopal Rao as Vice President of Sales & Marketing
March 10, 2015 - Westmont Hospitality Group announced today the appointment of Mr. Gopal Rao to the position of Vice President, Sales & Marketing.
Rao recently returned to Canada after a two year assignment in India as Regional Vice President for IHG. His most recent responsibility was as Regional VP Commercial for South West Asia.
In addition to leading the Commercial team, Rao also led in the creation of a national sales team for the region. Prior to his position overseas Rao was the Regional Vice President, Canada for IHG.
"We are very pleased to have Gopal join our team and lead our sales and marketing activities in Canada," said Mr. Anthony Messina, head of Westmont Hospitality Canada. "Gopal's tremendous experience in the hospitality sector will add great value to our hotels and enhance our presence in Canada.
Rao has over 26 years of management experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Previously Rao was the Regional Vice President, Sales & Marketing with Royal Host Hotels in Canada.
He is the past chair of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Association of Canada and holds an MBA from Queen's School of Business. Rao will be based in the Westmont office in Mississauga, ON.
About Westmont Hospitality Group
Westmont Hospitality Group was founded in 1975. What started with a single hotel in North America has grown to become one of the largest privately-held hospitality organizations in the world. Throughout the years, Westmont has had ownership interest in and operated over 1,100 hotels. Currently this stands at over 500 hotels across three continents. Westmont has formed strategic alliances with many of the world's largest hotel brands. These include Fairmont, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton, Accor, Starwood, Wyndham, Choice Hotels, Renaissance, Radisson and Best Western. The company is one of the largest franchisees and co-owners of IHG hotels and Hilton hotels worldwide. Westmont has a very diversified portfolio ranging from budget and aparthotels to mid-market business and large conference hotels to boutique hotels and luxury resorts.
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