Choice promotes Duncan Berry to Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels Europe in the UK

Choice Hotels International, Inc., the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality, Sleep Inn and Clarion brands and one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, announced today that it has promoted Duncan Berry to Chief Executive Officer for Choice Hotels Europe in the UK.

Mr Berry joined Choice Hotels Europe in 2008 as Chief Operating Officer. As CEO he will retain responsibility for overseeing franchise business development in the UK, enhancing services provided to Choice Hotel Europe’s existing franchisees, as well as the day-to-day management of the company’s operations in the UK. In addition, he will now oversee sales and marketing initiatives.
Prior to Choice Hotels Europe, Mr Berry was Director of European Franchising for Cartridge World, the retail franchise group, where he helped cement Cartridge World’s position as the market leader in its sector by growing its network of UK stores from 30 to just under 300 over a three year period.
 
Mark Pearce, Choice Hotels International’s Vice-President of International Operations, commented: “I am delighted to promote Duncan to the role of CEO for our UK operations. During his tenure with Choice, he has successfully raised the profile of the Choice brands within the UK investment, banking and hotelier communities, signed new franchise agreements, raised the brand standards across the portfolio and greatly enhanced the level of service to existing UK franchisees.
 
”Duncan Berry, commented: “I look forward to further developing and expanding our business in the UK both through our existing franchisee relationships as well as entering into new third-party direct franchising agreements with UK-based companies and individuals.
 
” Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe. The portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. During 2009 Choice Hotels Europe launched new brand standards at all its Comfort and Quality properties throughout Europe, which include free internet access or WiFi, upgraded bedding and a consistent breakfast offering.
 
Choice Hotels International recently announced it had reached 6,000 franchised properties. Here in Europe, Choice Hotels Europe has recently opened the Quality Hotel Maitrise Maida Vale, London, the Quality Hotel Reading, Quality Hotel Crewe Arms and the Clarion Collection® Opéra Pavillion in Paris.
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