La Quinta® Corporation proudly announces the addition of Mr. Eric Pfeffer and the Pfeffer Group, LLC. to its franchise development team. Pfeffer, the former chairman and CEO of Cendant`s Hotel Division, will consult with La Quinta regarding potential international expansion efforts, with particular emphasis on Mexico, Central and South America in the first phase.
Mr. Pfeffer currently serves as president of the Pfeffer Group, an international hospitality consulting firm, as well as president of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA). Previously, Pfeffer led Cendant Corporation`s Hotel Division, the world`s largest hotel franchisor, as chairman and CEO.

After 34 years of having an exclusive presence in the United States, La Quinta recently announced the appointment of AFM Hospitality as a master franchisor, with plans to expand its brand north of the border into Canada. Mr. Pfeffer and his consulting firm, the Pfeffer Group, will consult with La Quinta on potential franchising projects in Mexico, with plans to expand to Central and South America. “Eric Pfeffer`s successful career and prominence in our industry speak for themselves,” said Alan Tallis, executive vice president and chief development officer for La Quinta Corporation. “We fully expect to benefit from Eric`s expertise to guide us in developing and servicing franchise opportunities in various markets worldwide. The Pfeffer Group`s presence is a tremendous boost for our expansion efforts and our company overall.”

“I`m pleased to have a quality brand such as La Quinta as my first client other than Cendant. La Quinta has already established a great image in Latin America, so I`m confident that our endeavors will be a success,” added Mr. Pfeffer.

During his 20-year career as a hotel and franchise executive, Pfeffer has served in almost every hotel capacity, from front desk clerk to chairman. He was appointed chairman and CEO of the Cendant Hotel Division after serving as the division`s president and chief operating officer, overseeing more than 6,500 hotels on five continents under nine brands.

Prior to that, he served as managing director of the company`s global services division for nearly two years, overseeing international sales and services for Cendant`s hotel and real estate brands. Pfeffer was president and chief operating officer of Howard Johnson International from 1991 to 1996.

Dallas-based La Quinta Corporation (NYSE: LQI), a mid-scale, limited-service lodging company, owns, operates or franchises over 340 La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inn & Suites in 33 states. For more information about La Quinta, please visit its website at www.laquinta.com or for reservations at any La Quinta property call 1-800-531-5900. About the Pfeffer Group

Based in Miami, Florida, Eric Pfeffer started his hospitality consulting firm in January 2002 to be close to his family and at the same time capitalize on his 25 years of experience with focus in the international markets. For more information, contact the Pfeffer Group at [email protected] or call 305-932-3814.

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