SPOKANE, WA— WestCoast Hospitality Corp. has named Manfred Gerling vp of development, heading up the franchise sales efforts for the combined WestCoast/Red Lion family of hotels. Formerly vp of development for Red Lion Hotels and Inns, Gerling’s background also includes similar undertakings on behalf of Park Plaza, Doubletree and Radisson. In other appointments, WestCoast named Mark Hansen as development director for both WestCoast and Red Lion properties, and Thomas Magnuson has similarly been tapped to expand his current development responsibilities for both brands. Hansen most recently served as director of franchise sales and development for Hilton Hotels Corp., with specific responsibility for the Red Lion Hotels and Inns brand. He also has gained franchise-development experience on behalf of AmeriSuites and Wingate Hotels. Magnuson’s background includes stints as a governor for Best Western as well as experience as a hotel operator and a marketing company executive.
