PARSIPPANY, NJ—Wyndham Hotel Group has bolstered its development team with the addition of Chip Ohlsson as EVP and chief development officer, North America.
Ohlsson, who was most recently was VP, North American development at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, rejoins Wyndham Hotel Group as the company renews its focus on building and reinvigorating its portfolio of 15 brands. In his new role, he will drive the development strategy for long-time brands such as Days Inn and Super 8 across with a focus on proactively identifying and building strategic partnerships to position the company in new markets and to optimize its presence is existing markets.
Ohlsson will also be responsible for strengthening and expanding relationships with owners and key ownership groups, including real estate investment trusts, developers, and financial institutions with hospitality portfolios. In addition, he will focus on strengthening and evolving the hotel group’s development team.
A 22-year veteran, Ohlsson held several leadership positions across the industry including SVP, VP and franchise sale director with Cendant/Wyndham Hotel Group.
Ohlsson will report directly to Bob Loewen, EVP and COO, Wyndham Hotel Group, who stated, “This is more than a welcome, it’s a homecoming for Chip, who began his hospitality career with us selling Howard Johnson and was part of the Wyndham family for more than 10 years in various roles.”