IRVING, TX—La Quinta Inns & Suites has appointed hospitality industry veteran J. Sal Icaza as director of development for the Northeast. He will be responsible for the growth of the La Quinta brand in the region.
Icaza brings more than 20 years of industry experience to this role and joins La Quinta after holding senior franchise sales positions at Choice Hotels International, Hilton Hotel Corporation and consumer brands outside the hotel industry.
He was also the chief development and operating officer at Cherry Cove Hospitality Management, an ownership and management company he helped build from the ground up, according to the company.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Sal’s extensive sales experience at major hotel brands, as well as an entrepreneurial growth spirit, to help expand the La Quinta brand in the Northeast,” said David Wilner, SVP, franchise development at La Quinta. “With nearly 900 open hotels and more than 200 in our pipeline, La Quinta has seen tremendous growth with 88% of our current pipeline being new construction. Demand for the La Quinta brand is tremendous as we continue to penetrate key urban and gateway markets and compete aggressively in the upper-midscale segment. We are excited to welcome Sal to the team to guide and drive our growth in the most densely populated region in the country.”
“I am delighted to join La Quinta at this promising moment in the company’s growth,” said Icaza. “I look forward to contributing quickly and consistently to this great brand’s expansion throughout the Northeast in the months ahead.”