BWH Hotel Group announced today that president and CEO
David Kong will retire at the end
of 2021. The industry's longest tenured CEO joined Best Western Hotels
& Resorts in 2001 and was named CEO in 2004. During this 20-year journey,
Kong transformed the company, forming BWH Hotel Group and shaping it into a
major global competitor.
Kong grew BWH Hotel Group from one to 18 brands that cover every scale chain segment and every type of accommodation, including boutique/lifestyle and extended stay. He set successive records of revenue per available room growth and the highest guest and hotel satisfaction ratings for the brands. The company's loyalty program contribution has become the third highest in the industry.
Under Kong's leadership, the company grew cash reserves and grew net equity more than 10-fold and BWH Hotel Group acquired both WorldHotels Collection and PMS technology provider AutoClerk.
"What [Kong]has been able to do
with Best Western is really create the consistency of the highest level
of
performance," said American Hotel & Lodging Association president
and CEO Chip Rogers. "David has created an environment at Best
Western that encourages its owners to be their best and to create the
best
products."
"This industry has empowered me
to dream boldly about the future and to pursue those dreams without hesitation.
I feel blessed to have been surrounded by exceptional teams throughout my
career and through sheer passion and dedication, we have chased bold dreams and
achieved what many might have considered impossible," said Kong. "I have always wanted to move on at my peak. With our caring
culture, our extraordinary hoteliers, executive team and corporate staff, I
have no doubt the best is yet to come for BWH Hotel Group."
Industry Reaction
In addition to brand leadership, Kong, who entered the industry as a dishwasher and busboy, leaves a legacy of caring. He has been known throughout the industry for making good on his promises and working to serve and mentor his colleagues and teams.
"David Kong is a once-in-a-lifetime leader whose contributions to Best Western and BWH Hotel Group are
truly immeasurable," said BWH Hotel Group board chairman Ishwar Naran. "It has been the honor of my career to work alongside David and
witness first hand his remarkable passion and dedication to our industry. David
has always led by example and, most importantly, cared deeply about those he
serves from hoteliers, to colleagues, associates, guests and communities."
"David Kong is recognized in
our industry as a leader that truly cares about people. He has been
an amazing leader and among the most respected people in this industry," said Rogers.
"David has been a mentor to so
many of us over the years," added Wyndham president and CEO Geoff Ballotti. "He inspired me early in my career as he has
so many others to get more involved in our industry, including the American
Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA, and the U.S. Travel Association. He is
someone I trust and greatly admire."
"David's legacy is the
integrity of a promise, keeping your word and delivering on it," said U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger
Dow. "He's a role model for
how this industry leads to fulfilling careers, going from the frontline to CEO,
as he's done."