Choice Taps Marriott Exec To Head Sales

Choice Hotels today announced that the company has hired a former Marriott International executive to head its global sales and intermediary marketing efforts.

The company—which franchises more than 5,800 hotels under brands including Comfort Inn and Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites and Suburban Extended Stay—appointed Michael Murphy, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, as its vice president of global sales. Murphy, who started his role at the beginning of this month, most recently served as senior vice president of sales for Marriott and also has worked in senior sales and marketing roles at Renaissance and Stouffer Hotels.

"Michael will play a leading role in elevating Choice's global sales efforts as we continue to focus on delivering more business directly to Choice-branded hotels," Choice chief marketing officer Chris Malone said in a statement. "Michael and his organization will also concentrate on helping our owners and operators take advantage of the many resources available to maximize property-level sales."

Murphy also will serve as Choice's primary liaison with travel industry associations and conferences, including the National Business Travel Association and Meeting Planners International, according to Choice.