Longest-running CEO of any major hotel company calls time on career

Longest-running CEO of any major hotel company calls time on career

BWH Hotel Group has announced that longtime president and CEO David Kong will retire at the end of 2021.

The longest-running CEO of any major hotel company, Kong joined Best Western Hotels & Resorts in 2001 and was named CEO in 2004.

During this 20-year journey, Kong would transform the company, form BWH Hotel Group and shape it into a global powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on the entire hotel industry.

“David Kong is a once-in-a-lifetime leader whose contributions to Best Western and BWH Hotel Group are truly immeasurable, said company chairman Ishwar Naran.

“It has been the honour of my career to work alongside David and witness firsthand 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.”

Kong’s first step toward a lifelong career in hospitality began as a dishwasher and busboy. When he arrived in the United States from Hong Kong as a young adult, like many immigrants before him, he had no money, no job and no connections to offer support.

Despite these challenges, Kong leaned into the values and work ethic instilled by his parents to rise through the ranks of the hospitality industry, culminating in his role as president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group.

During his tenure as CEO, Kong has grown BWH Hotel Group’s brand portfolio from one to 18 covering every chain scale segment and accommodation type, including boutique/lifestyle and extended stay.

Kong has also managed to set successive records of RevPAR growth from 103 in 2004 to 112.4 in 2021, as well as a new company record of highest EBITDA growth, with company cash reserves and net equity growing over 10-fold since becoming CEO.

He also led the acquisition efforts of WorldHotels Collection and AutoClerk.

You can learn more about Kong’s impactful 20-year journey in the below video:

 

 

Commenting on his impending retirement, Kong said: “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.

“I feel very fortunate to have played a role in building BWH Hotel Group into the brand it is today. 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.”

BWH Hotel Group will announce a new CEO at the company’s annual convention in October.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]