ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 6, 2013?– Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, today announced it has named Thomas Song as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development.
Mr. Song will report to Patrick Pacious, Executive Vice President, Global Strategy and Operations at Choice Hotels. In his new role, Mr. Song will direct strategic initiatives that drive growth and profitability. He also will lead the company’s efforts to identify and evaluate corporate investment opportunities, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic business alliances.
“In today’s global marketplace, companies with unique assets and capabilities, like Choice Hotels, are well positioned to pursue opportunities that strengthen the core business, open new avenues of growth and drive higher shareholder returns,” Mr. Pacious said. “We are delighted to bring on board a senior executive of Tom’s caliber. Throughout his career, Tom has been known as a collaborative leader, recognized for his acumen in prioritizing opportunities for growth and positioning his team to maximize results.”
Mr. Song brings to Choice Hotels a depth of experience, having spent the past 20 years in corporate development, consulting and investment banking. Previously, he served as Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy for The Hanover Insurance Group, a leading insurance company with U.S. and International operations. Earlier in his career, Tom was a consultant at Diamond Management & Technology Consultants (now PwC) and a banker at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
He received his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, and BA with honors from the University of Chicago.