Choice Hotels Appoints Keith Biumi as Regional Vice President, Membership Development of Ascend Hotel Collection
ROCKVILLE, MD. March 20, 2017 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, has appointed Keith Biumi to the position of regional vice president, membership development of the Ascend Hotel Collection. The Ascend Hotel Collection is the world's first and largest portfolio of distinctive upscale independent hotels and resorts, backed by the global resources of Choice Hotels.
Biumi has more than 25 years of experience in the hotel industry in domestic and international markets, with broad expertise in development, franchising, brand marketing, finance and hotel operations. He will oversee the strategic initiatives for Ascend, focused on continuing its growth and success.
"We welcome Keith to our team. His extensive background and accomplishments in the upscale space will help further expand the Ascend Collection membership," said David Pepper, chief development officer, Choice Hotels. "Keith's knowledge, passion and leadership will be a great asset as we seek to bring Ascend to new locations and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences."
Biumi joins Ascend from Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) where he served as regional vice president, upscale development and franchise sales. At IHG, he received the "Upscale Developer of the Year" award a record eight times. Biumi earned a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh.
The Ascend Hotel Collection, a portfolio of unique, boutique and historic properties, is recognized as the industry's first "soft brand," a concept pioneered by Choice Hotels that puts the company's vast network of support behind independent hotels and resorts. These resources equip hoteliers with Choice's robust distribution channels, technology, and an award-winning loyalty program. More than 170 properties are now open and operating around the world, which surpasses its top three competitor soft brands combined.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest lodging companies. With more than 6,500 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of December 31, 2016, 775 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels™ brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 30 million members and counting, our Choice Privileges® rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.
Contact:
Scott Carman
scott.carman@choicehotels.com
301-592-6361
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 
