Choice’s Ascend Collection appoints new regional VP, membership development

Choice Hotels International appointed Keith Biumi to the position of regional vice president, membership development of the Ascend Hotel Collection. The Ascend Hotel Collection is a portfolio of upscale independent hotels and resorts, backed by the global resources of Choice Hotels.

Biumi has more than 25 years of experience in the hotel industry in domestic and international markets, with expertise in development, franchising, brand marketing, finance and hotel operations. He will oversee the strategic initiatives for Ascend, focused on continuing its growth and success.

"We welcome Keith to our team. His background and accomplishments in the upscale space will help further expand the Ascend Collection membership," David Pepper, chief development officer, Choice Hotels, said in a statement. "Keith's knowledge, passion and leadership will be a great asset as we seek to bring Ascend to new locations and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences."

The Ascend Hotel Collection consists of unique, boutique and historic properties, such as the Westport Inn in Westport, Conn.

Biumi joins Ascend from InterContinental Hotels Group, where he served as regional vice president, upscale development and franchise sales. At IHG, he received the "Upscale Developer of the Year" award a record eight times. Biumi earned a bachelor of science from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh.

The Ascend Hotel Collection, a portfolio of unique, boutique and historic properties, is recognized as the industry's first "soft brand," a concept pioneered by Choice Hotels that puts the company's network of support behind independent hotels and resorts. These resources equip hoteliers with Choice's distribution channels, technology and loyalty program. More than 170 Ascend Hotel Collection properties are now open and operating around the world.