Choice Hotels today announced that Australian native David Bayes has been named managing director of Choice Hotels Australasia, effective October 17, 2005.
Prior to joining Choice Hotels Australasia, Bayes, 58, served as chief operating officer for Mortgage Choice, Australia’s leading mortgage broker where he was responsible for the sales and operational functions of the company. Previously, he held the post of chief executive officer and director for Bakers Delight Holdings, LTD, a leading franchising organization operating 670 outlets in Australia, New Zealand and Canada; vice president and regional director for the Southern Region of McDonald’s Australia; and a member of the inaugural board of McDonald’s Australia that expanded the business to over 550 units in the country. Additionally, Bayes owned and operated three successful 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 a franchisor and franchisee, David is well positioned to lead Choice Hotels Australasia and further expand our network of hotels in Australia and New Zealand,” said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Choice’s president and chief executive officer.
“David brings a keen understanding of the Australasian marketplace and is committed to the success of our franchisees in the region,” added Bruce Haase, Choice Hotels’ senior vice president, international division.
Bayes succeeds Brent Russell, who will be returning to the United States after serving two years at the helm of Choice Hotels Australasia.
“Initiatives launched under Brent’s leadership include the successful introduction of franchise service and training initiatives, dramatically enhanced marketing and partnership programs, and the establishment of a strong base for future growth of our brands throughout the Pacific,” said Haase. “We appreciate Brent’s leadership and wish him much success.”
Since the July 1, 2002 acquisition of Melbourne-based Flag Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International has significantly accelerated the growth of the Clarion, Quality and Comfort Inn brands throughout the region. Choice Hotels Australasia franchises more than 300 hotels open representing nearly 17,000 guestrooms.
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