PHOENIX—Best Western International’s board of directors has elected Jayesh “Jay” Patel as its chairman for 2015.
Patel was elected a director in November 2010 and re-elected in 2013 to represent the interests of Best Western hotel owners in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He previously served one-year terms as vice chairman and secretary-treasurer of the board.
Patel’s history with Best Western goes back more than 30 years and, in that time, he has developed five Best Western hotels in Louisiana. He currently has ownership interests in that state with the Best Western Airport Inn in Monroe, the Best Western LaPlace Inn in LaPlace and the Best Western Plus Houma Inn in Gray.
Patel’s company, Cajun Lodging, owns, manages and builds hotels that range from limited-service to full-service. In addition to the three Best Westerns, his company owns six other hotels in the suburban New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.
“Having a board of directors comprised of current hotel operators ensures Best Western is focused on the current and future opportunities our hotel owners face,” said Best Western President/CEO David Kong. “Jay’s long tenure with Best Western and range of experience makes him an ideal chair for 2015.”
“With the ongoing success of our descriptor program as well as the launch of the Vib concept and our new soft brand, the BW Premier Collection, it is truly an exciting time to be taking on this new role,” stated Patel. “The board will remain focused on enhancing our brand and driving more revenue to our hoteliers in 2015.”
Before being elected to the board, Patel held a number of leadership positions within the Best Western organization, including serving as a Best Western governor for nearly 15 years. He also has served as chairman of the brand’s committees for education and training and cultural diversity.
In addition, Terrance “Terry” J. Bichsel, owner of the Best Western Ocean View Resort in Seaside, OR, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the board of directors.
Bichsel has owned the resort since 2002. He previously served as a regional governor for the brand as well as on the brand’s sales and marketing advisory committee. As a director, Bichsel will represent the interests of hotel owners in seven western states, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, and Canada’s western provinces.
Bichsel has held executive management positions with various hospitality groups, including SVP/COO for John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.; president/Parks & Resorts Division, Aramark Corp.; and SVP/worldwide for Holland America Cruise Line, and has been responsible for strategy, marketing, acquisitions, divestures, profitability and operations, with more than 20 hotel openings in his career.