Best Western Promotes Several Key Executives

PHOENIX— Best Western International has promoted several key executives within the company. David Kong has been promoted to senior vp, marketing and development; Mike Kistner is now senior vp, Information Services/CIO; Loyd Nygaard ascends to the position of vp, member operations support; and Richard Bennett has been promoted to vp, procurement. Kong, who joined the company in 2001, will now have responsibility for all marketing functions in addition to his global strategy and development duties for North America and Asia. Kistner, previously vp, information services, has overall responsibility for all corporate information system technology infrastructure and oversight of information services enhancements at the property level. Nygaard, who had held the title of managing director, member operations support, now has oversight of reservations and revenue management, quality assurance, design and on property consulting and training functions at Best Western’s throughout North America. Bennett, who previously was managing director of BW Supply, will now manage the Best Western vendor purchasing program. The promotions are effective immediately, according to Tom Higgins, Best Western president and CEO.