Choice Hotels International, Inc, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, today announced the appointment of John Tague, CEO for Greatwide Logistics Services of Dallas, to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Tague brings a wealth of hospitality experience to Choice Hotels, particularly his many years of experience helping the airline industry navigate and understand eCommerce, making him the ideal candidate to act as the board’s expert on distribution and marketing.

Mr. Tague served as president of United Airlines and executive vice president of UAL Corporate, based at the company’s headquarters in Chicago. He was responsible for all airline management functions, including Safety, Security, Airport Operations, Onboard Service, Maintenance, Flight Operations, and United Express. Additionally, Mr. Tague was responsible for Marketing and Customer Experience, Sales, Call Centers, United.com, Alliances and International and Regulatory Affairs, Planning, Revenue Management and Scheduling, as well as Cargo and Mileage Plus.

Prior to that position, Mr. Tague was executive vice president and chief operating officer (2008-09), in that role his functional responsibilities were the same as he held as president; executive vice president and chief revenue officer (2006-08); executive vice president of Marketing, Sales, and Revenue (2004-06); and as executive vice president of Customer Service (2003-04).

“As a company, we’re always looking to add board members with relevant experience to our industry,” said Choice Hotels President & CEO Stephen. P. Joyce. “As a seasoned veteran of the airline industry, John has a shared experience of many areas of business like eCommerce and distribution that also directly relate to hospitality.”

Before joining United in 2003, Mr. Tague served as president and CEO of ATA Holdings Corp., at the time, America’s 10th largest airline, with sales of $1.4 billion and 8,000 employees. Before his appointment to President in 1993, Mr. Tague served as executive vice president of Marketing and Planning for ATA Airlines Inc. He also held various positions at Midway Airlines, including senior vice president of Marketing and Planning.

Mr. Tague previously served on the Board of Trustees for the John. G. Shedd Aquarium and is a member of the Commercial Club. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Pacer International, Inc., Orbitz, the Airport Transport Association and United Airlines.