Nir E. Margalit is the new vice president and general counsel for Best Western International Inc. In this newly created position, Margalit will assume management responsibilities for the legal function of the worldwide lodging brand.

Margalit comes to Best Western International from Raintree Healthcare Corporation where he was executive vice president, general counsel and secretary overseeing legal and ancillary functions of a full-service, long-term care company.

Margalit began his professional career as a law clerk and then an associate at Krupin, Carr, Morris & Graeff in Washington, DC. Margalit was a partner in the Washington, DC based law firm Margalit, Yellott & Cooper where his clients included various local and national companies.

In the hotel industry, Margalit was vice president, development and special counsel at CapStar Hotels (now Meristar Hospitality (NYSE:MMH)). He then served as the vice president, general counsel and secretary at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE:HOT) in Phoenix. There he managed all legal matters for the company during its period of explosive growth.

Margalit earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and his juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

“We are pleased to welcome Nir to Best Western,” says President and CEO, Jim Evans. “His legal expertise, together with his knowledge of the hotel industry, will be a tremendous asset to the success of our brand.”

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