Best Western Makes Senior-Level Staff Adjustments

PHOENIX— Two executive team members at Best Western International have been promoted and assigned expanded areas of responsibility as part of a re-emphasis of its global operations strategy. Anupam Narayan was named senior vp of global brand management and CFO, and David Kong was appointed senior vp of global strategy and development. Narayan, who joined the Best Western executive team in 1997, will continue to be responsible for all financial matters in his new role. He also assumes responsibility for global quality assurance, brand identity, education and training, design and a variety of yield management services designed to support individual Best Western hotel owners and operators. Narayan is a 20-year veteran of the lodging industry and has previously held management positions at Doubletree Corp., Red Lion Hotels and Holiday Inns. He serves on the IHRA (International Hotel & Restaurant Association) board of directors and is chairman of the IHRA Chains Council. Kong, who has more than 30 years of hospitality industry experience, will now oversee global strategic planning and development for the chain in North America and Asia. This includes oversight of the companys strategic vision, annual business plans and research endeavors. He also has responsibility for the recently re-launched Gold Crown Club International, Best Westerns frequent guest program and the Best Western Travel Card. Prior to joining Best Western, Kong was with KPMG Consulting as a senior manager in the Hospitality & Real Estate practice, and served at Hyatt Hotels Corp. for 19 years in senior positions in operations and sales and marketing.