Best Western International Inc. has promoted David Kong to senior vice
president-Marketing and Development, Mike Kistner to senior vice president
Information Services/CIO, Loyd Nygaard to vice president-Member Operations
Support, and Richard Bennett to vice president-Procurement. The promotions
are effective immediately according to Tom Higgins, Best Western president
and chief executive officer.
Kong, who joined Best Western in 2001, was previously with KPMG Consulting
and before that with Hyatt Hotels Corporation for 19 years. In his new
capacity, Kong will have responsibility for all marketing functions in
addition to his global strategy and development duties for North America
and Asia. Kong will also retain responsibility for Best Western`s loyalty
program, Gold Crown Club International and the Best Western pre-paid
travel card.
Kistner, previously vice president of Information Services, was elevated
to senior vice president. He retains his chief information officer title.
He has overall responsibility for all corporate information systems
technology infrastructure and oversight of information service
enhancements at the property level. Kistner joined Best Western three
years ago from Cendant Corporation in Phoenix where he served in a similar
capacity and before that was with Super 8 Motels.

Nygaard, who began his career at Best Western in 1988 with a strong
background in hotel and business operations, previously held the position
of managing director-Member Operations Support. In his new capacity as
vice president-Member Operations Support, he has oversight of reservations
and revenue management, quality assurance, design and on property
consulting and training functions at Best Western properties throughout
North America.

Bennett, a 25 year hospitality veteran, joined Best Western in 2000 from
Prime Hospitality. Prior to his promotion he was managing director of BW
Supply. In his new capacity as vice president-Procurement he will manage
the Best Western vendor purchasing program which last year generated sales
in excess of $100 million.

Best Western International is THE WORLD`S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R) with more
than 4,100 hotels in 80 countries. It is a membership association of
independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing,
reservations and operational support to its members.

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