I Continues Search For Evans’ Replacement

PHOENIX— The search for a new Best Western International CEO goes on, Anupam Narayan told HOTEL BUSINESS®, while attending the Lodging Conference which is being held here this week. Narayan, acting CEO for the company following the resignation of Jim Evans a few weeks ago, said the plan is to have an announcement of a new leader for the company at its annual membership meeting in Las Vegas in November. Narayan, also BWI CFO, said he is a candidate for the CEO slot. Through his financial leadership he is largely credited with pulling the hotel company out of debt over the past few years and for working alongside Evans to develop a new quality assurance program and uniform amenities on a global basis for Best Western. Evans resigned reportedly after disagreeing with the BWI board, which is said to have been pushing for more administrative control over BWI corporate. ( see HOTEL BUSINESS®, Sept. 7, 2002). The move came as a surprise to the industry since Evans was not only well-liked and respected by BWI’s membership base, he had also garnered credit for having put in place a strong executive management base that led to the QA program and global amenities program mentioned above, as well as a strong marketing program under the leadership of Bob Gilbert. Narayan said in his role as interim CEO, he is focusing on moving the company forward in its efforts to gain marketshare and to promote its marketing efforts to enhance its reputation as “the world’s largest hotel chain.” Narayan said the BWI board of directors is dealing with questions and issues its ownership base may have about Evans’ departure. “I want to execute our business plan,” Narayan told HOTEL BUSINESS®. “Our members are looking for continuity.” Narayan said BWI is also putting a strong focus on customer relationship management by training its front-line employees on service. — Ruthanne Terrero