Russell, Brashear, Launch Hospitality Firm

HOLLYWOOD, CA— Two industry veterans, John Russell and Toma Brashear, have launched Hospitality Artists, LLC, a “results-based solutions firm designed to assist companies in solving problems and optimizing opportunities in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries.” Russell, the immediate past chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), is a 25-year industry veteran, having served as president of Days Inns, vice chairman of Cendant’s Travel Division, and president/CEO of Resort Condominium International (RCI), as well as a number of other executive industry positions. He will serve as CEO of Hospitality Artists. Brashear, meanwhile, was most recently the president/partner of Traveler Discount Guide and Roomsaver.com. He in the past served as president/Days Inns of Mexico, and svp/franchise and development for Colony Hotels. He will serve as the chairman of the new entity. The list of services that Hospitality Artists will offer is long, and includes: brand positioning and development; corporate identity development; customer relationship management; design, diversity, feasibility, finance, franchising, marketing, meeting, and conference planning; public relations; product introductions; project development and property management; brokerage and construction; public speaking engagements; purchasing, recruitment, research, sales and training services. Russell said that he and Brashear have “assembled a studio of highly talented ‘artists,’ each specializing in a particular discipline or segment of the hospitality industry.” Ruthanne Terrero