Latest News
HomeHotels & LodgingChoice Hotels promotes Brian Kirkland to Chief Technology Officer
New appointments

Choice Hotels promotes Brian Kirkland to Chief Technology Officer

Brian Kirkland, Chief Technology Officer, Choice Hotels International.

Brian Kirkland has been a key member of Choice’s technology innovation team since 2015, which is based in Phoenix, Ariz.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced the promotion of Brian Kirkland to the position of Chief Technology Officer. In this new leadership role, Kirkland will oversee the company's overall information technology strategy, development and operations. He will report directly to John Bonds, senior vice president, enterprise operations and technology.

Kirkland has been a key member of Choice's technology innovation team since 2015, which is based in Phoenix, Ariz. He previously served as vice president of engineering. Recently, Kirkland notably led Choice's efforts to successfully design and launch the industry's first new global reservation system in 30 years, choiceEDGE.

"The introduction of the choiceEDGE platform showcases that Choice is at the forefront of innovation and built to effectively handle the volume on digital channels for the future," said John Bonds, senior vice president, enterprise operations and technology. "Brian's expert leadership and extensive technology experience was crucial to the overall success of the initiative. Overseeing major undertakings like this are a perfect example of why Brian is ideally suited to take on this broader role and guide Choice's technology organization for today and tomorrow."

Prior to joining Choice Hotels, Kirkland held leadership and software development positions at leading technology companies, GoDaddy and Media Temple. Kirkland earned his bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's in business administration from Arizona State University. He is also a member of Arizona's Information Technology Authorization Committee (ITAC), as well as Arizona State University's Executive Council for the Department of Information Systems.

Also Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced Michael Fruin has joined the company as regional vice president of franchise services, northeast region. In this role, Fruin will be responsible for leading a team of field-based franchise operations business consultants called Area Directors, to drive system-wide hotel performance and owner satisfaction throughout the northeast region. He will report directly to Ralph Thiergart, vice president of franchise services and joins a team of experienced, regional vice presidents throughout the country including, Kevin Muttart, Lisa Adams, Byron Bean and Pat Mandas.

Fruin brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Choice’s franchise services team. He joins the company from Extended Stay America, where he served as senior vice president of real estate and development. In that role, he notably launched the company’s franchise development program and spearheaded efforts to introduce new guestroom and public space prototypes. Earlier in his career, Fruin was president and chief operating officer of High Hotels Ltd., and held several leadership positions at Marriott International. He earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management from Michigan State University.

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

29/03/2024
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024