BWH Hotel Group has announced 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 programme 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 honour 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 recognised 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 US 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."