VERNON HILLS, IL— In an effort to be more responsive to the changing procurement needs of the hospitality industry, Jim Leahy, president of American Hotel Register has unveiled a company restructuring. “We are realigning our sales efforts to better serve the different needs of our various customer categories,” Leahy said, which vary from major chains to small independents. To execute this move, the company now has three new business units. Major customer programs, such as Avendra and Starwood, will be headed by Bob Schmidt,svp/sales. He will also handle export sales as well as refurbishing projects through the Benjamin Brothers Division. Karl Baker, vp, will oversee sales to independent properties and franchise chains, as well as government and health-care sales. Additionally, John Roth, vp, will take on responsibility for direct-mail sales, including advertising and marketing, and will continue to oversee the merchandising department. Despite a struggling economy, the AHR president further revealed company sales are currently ahead of 2002, adding “we are renewing our commitment to the lodging industry and increasing our market share. In the last year, we’ve doubled the shipments on our dedicated delivery trucks and we have created several private websites for major customers.” AHR is mailing more catalogs and flyers this year than last to take care of its increased customer base, Leahy said, and is looking to hire additional inside and outside sales associates.
