Choice Hotels International has named Mark Shalala as its vice president of franchise development for Cambria Hotels & Suites.
Shalala’s new role for will focus on growing the Cambria franchise by increasing the brand’s distribution among key markets nationwide. Part of this plan involves leading the franchise sales team in developing and implementing new strategies. He will also be responsible for capitalizing on the company’s commitment to the Cambria brand, which includes $250 million in corporate investments and other financial based incentives.
“Our Cambria hotels and suites brand continues to experience dynamic growth, and we are thrilled to have Mark on our team to help drive strategic development for our franchisees,” says David Pepper, senior vice president of global development. “We are riding the success following a wave of recent openings in key markets, including Washington, DC; White Plains, New York; and Plano, Texas. With Mark on our team, we look forward to propelling the Cambria brand to new heights in the eyes of Millennials and business travelers.”
While Shalala heads the franchise development team, C.A. Anderson—vice president, Cambria Investments—will concentrate on solidifying institutional capital partnerships.
Shalala has more than 15 years of experience working in hospitality development and franchise sales and most recently served as senior director of development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, where he was responsible for the strategic growth of the brand’s nine upscale and luxury lifestyle brands in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.
He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business and sports management.
