Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) has appointed Bruce McKenzie vice president for the Asia/Pacific region. He will be based in a new Choice office in Singapore opening this Spring, and will oversee development, franchise services and sales and marketing for Choice`s International brands operating under Comfort, Quality, Clarion and Sleep Inn throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

McKenzie comes to Choice from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. where he most recently served as area Managing Director with oversight of operations and marketing for 12 hotels and resorts throughout Indonesia. A native Australian, McKenzie previously served as general manager of the 423-room Sheraton Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, Australia. He also held a variety of financial and sales management positions with Sheraton in Hong Kong and Australia

“We are pleased to have Bruce lead our Asia/Pacific team,” said Bruno Geny, senior vice president, international, for Choice. “There are tremendous growth opportunities in the mid-market lodging segment in Asia. Bruce`s operations and sales and marketing expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop our brands in the region. In addition, this growth will help us develop more business from outbound travelers from Japan, China, and Australia.”

McKenzie will be supported by his Asia Pacific team as follows: Fuji Fujimura-Vice President, Japan Business Development (Tokyo based)

Edwina Korallus-Vice President, Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific (Sydney)

Barry Robinson-Franchise Services Director, Asia and New Zealand (Singapore)

Brian Ebbs-Franchise Services Director, Australia (Melbourne)

Ray Asad-Project Manager, Flag Choice Hotels integration (Phoenix, USA)

 
The Sales and marketing head office will continue to be based in Sydney. The Singapore office will be the main point of contact for hotel development and franchise services. Until the Singapore office is open in late April, McKenzie can be contacted through the Sydney office at 52 Alfred Street, Milsons Point, Sydney, NSW 2061 Australia (phone: 61-2-9929-6444, fax 61-2-9929-8282).

As a result of McKenzie`s appointment and the opening of the Singapore office, Choice Hotels has closed its Asia Pacific Development office in Newport Beach, California.

“I am very excited about joining Choice at a time of major growth opportunities. With the integration of Flag Hotels in Australia into the Choice system, and other development opportunities under discussion or consideration, we will grow our current portfolio from 71 to over 300 properties by the year 2000. Hotel franchising is a concept I believe has great potential in Asia Pacific. Choice`s range of brands allows us to meet the varying market needs throughout the region,” said McKenzie.

Choice Hotels International is the world`s second largest hotel franchisor with more than 4,000 hotels in 33 countries marketed under the Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites hotel brands. For more information and locations, contact: www.choicehotels.com.

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