Choice Hotels International has promoted 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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