BWH Hotel Group’s President and CEO David Kong has announced that he will retire well after 20 years that have made the company a global leader in the hospitality and accommodation process.
The industry veteran will step down at the end of 2021, ending a very successful career in the hospitality industry with the BWH Hotel Group, which he joined in 2001 before being appointed CEO in 2004. His 17 years at the helm make him the longest-serving CEO of a large hotel company.
A new CEO will be appointed at the company’s annual meeting in early October.
Kong’s accomplishments at BWH Hotel Group include expanding the company’s brand portfolio from its flagship Best Western Hotels and Resorts to a portfolio of 18 brands under the Umbrella of the BWH hotel group and in every market segment from budget to luxury, boutique to long term stay; lead the company to strong RevPAR, occupancy and guest satisfaction ratings, and build a strong tax performance to provide strong returns for shareholders.
VIDEO: David Kong’s colleagues pay tribute to their retired leader
Kong has also played a driving role in addressing the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw hoteliers receive $ 65 million in fee reductions since the March 2020 launch of the We Care Clean protocols.
Kong said he was very fortunate to have played a role in building BWH Hotel Group into the brand it is today.
“I feel blessed to have been surrounded by exceptional teams throughout my career and through sheer passion and dedication we have pursued bold dreams and achieved what many would have thought impossible,” said Kong.
“I’ve always wanted to peak. With our caring culture, our exceptional hoteliers, our management team and our employees, I have no doubt that the best is yet to come for the BWH Hotel Group. “
David Kong in 2015 announced another new brand for Best Western Hotels and Resorts.
The announcement of Kong’s retirement was quickly followed by praise from other industry leaders, who collectively praised Kong as the mentor and man who brought a sense of family to life at Best Western.
“David led the company through a major transformation from a single brand to a multi-brand family,” said Pat Pacious, President and CEO of Choice Hotels International.
“That required a lot of listening, a lot of partnership and a lot of persuasiveness, but it produced a great result for his company and its members.”
“Everyone associated with Best Western has a similar family feel and I think David has been great contributing to this as he led and led a very significant transformation for the company,” added Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. added.
