Sonesta International Hotels Corp. CEO John Murray will retire on March 31 and be replaced by two executives who will share the role, the company announced Monday.
On April 1, current Sonesta EVP and president of franchise and development Keith Pierce and Jeff Leer, current EVP at Sonesta parent The RMR Group, will become Sonesta's co-CEOs, according to the company.
Pierce, a former Wyndham Hotel Group and Cendant Corp. executive, has been with Sonesta since 2021 and has "been instrumental in leading the significant expansion of Sonesta’s global franchising business," the company said. Leer has held senior finance and accounting leadership roles within RMR since 2013, Sonesta said.
"Over the past several years, Sonesta has transformed its management business, franchise business, technology, and commercial infrastructure under John’s leadership, creating a strong foundation for the future," according to a Sonesta statement attributed to Pierce and Leer. "Building on this progress, we are committed to advancing Sonesta's 'asset-right,' franchise-focused growth strategy, leveraging innovative technology, and driving operational excellence to expand market share and deliver an exceptional guest experience across all segments."
Murray became Sonesta CEO in 2022.