Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) today announced the appointment of Bill Biagi as vice president of e-commerce and e-business initiatives. Biagi joins the company`s partner services department.

In his new position, Biagi will be responsible for the facilitation of business initiatives by identifying and configuring the best possible usage of the Internet and related technology. “Choice knows where we need to go in e-commerce and e-business. Bill fills the technology gap for us between concept and reality,” said Dan Rothfeld, vice president of partner services for Choice.

“As Choice moves forward with its high-tech initiatives like GuesTech, the DSL/wireless networked in-room computer amenity, and Choice Buys, the Internet-based purchasing system, expertise in building business models and network technology infrastructure critical,” added Rothfeld. Biagi will manage these projects and liaison with Choice`s technology vendors and internal resources to facilitate their development and implementation.

Biagi has over fifteen years of e-business experience, most recently as the director of systems integration management in the technology strategy department of Freddie Mac. Additionally, Biagi has extensive experience with Internet start-up companies.

Comfort and Quality are two of seven brands franchised by Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH), the world`s second largest hotel franchisor. Choice franchises almost 5,000 hotels in 37 countries under the brand names Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites.

Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn and MainStay Suites are registered trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.

——-