Higgins Takes Reigns At Best Western On Monday, Oct. 28

PHOENIX— HOTEL BUSINESS® has learned Thomas Higgins, the former brand president/CEO for Days Inn Worldwide, is stepping into the position of president/CEO of Best Western International today. Higgins was named to the post Oct. 25. Higgins was one of three candidates for the position on the short list, which included Anupam Narayan, svp/global strategy and CFO, who had been considered “a very strong candidate.” Narayan has been serving as interim president/CEO since the sudden departure by Jim Evans from that post in August. Higgins, a 30-year industry veteran, earlier this year was supplanted by Joe Kane at Days Inn following additional reorganization at Cendant Corp.’s travel division. According to Ken Smotherman, Best Western’s board chairman, “Tom’s excitement for taking the position was evident to the board from the beginning. His philosophy is twofold: First, he believes in building successful teams while achieving targeted results. Second, his goal is to increase value of the Best Western brand while providing each of the members with support and solutions— his tools for growth.” It’s anticipated Higgins will take the stage with Smotherman for a formal introduction to some 2,000 BW members during the association’s annual convention, being held this year at Paris Las Vegas/Bally’s the week of November 4. Prior to his stint at Days Inn, Higgins was with Sun Country Airlines, a Minneapolis-based air charter company where he held the position of “chief people officer.” Prior to that, he was svp/LaQuinta Inns, Inc., where he developed improved property management, pricing and marketing strategies, with oversight for the nationwide renovation of more than 225 LaQuinta Inns. Higgins also has held executive positions with Motel 6 and General Mills’ restaurant division. —Stefani C. O’Connor