David Kong, president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group, will be retiring at the end of 2021. Kong joined Best Western Hotels & Resorts in 2001 and was named CEO in 2004.
A Career in Hospitality
Kong, who came to the U.S. from Hong Kong as a young adult, started in the industry as a dishwasher and busboy. He completed the Executive Development Program at Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Travel Industry Management School at the University of Hawaii.
His career at Best Western includes serving as EVP of international operations, SVP of marketing and development as well as SVP of strategic services and operations. Kong has also held leadership positions with KPMG Consulting, Hyatt Hotels, Omni International and Hilton Hotels. Kong served as chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association in 2010, its centennial year, and is active on the CEO Council and Government Affairs. In 2010, Kong was appointed to the United States Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and served for three years.
Over the past 20 years, Kong oversaw a number of initiatives for the company:
- Growing BWH Hotel Group from one to 18 brands.
- Setting successive records of growth in revenue per available room from 103 in 2004 to 112.4 in 2021.
- Setting successive records of highest guest and hotel satisfaction ratings.
- Setting new company record of highest earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization growth. Company cash reserves and net equity grew over 10-fold since he became CEO.
- Growing company loyalty program contribution to becoming the third highest in the industry.
- Leading acquisition efforts of a hotel company (WorldHotels Collection) and property-management system provider (AutoClerk).
From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kong implemented a strategy to help the company’s hoteliers survive the downturn:
- Extending more than $65 million in fee rebates to its hoteliers since March 2020.
- Adjusting operating standards and rolled out enhanced cleaning protocols.
- Becoming a prominent industry voice to advocate for the needs of hoteliers across the nation. Kong met with former President Trump and government leaders and conducted interviews with many major TV network to cast a light on the hardships of hoteliers and advocate for federal support.
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“This industry has empowered me to dream boldly about the future and to pursue those dreams without hesitation. I feel blessed to have been surrounded by exceptional teams throughout my career and through sheer passion and dedication, we have chased bold dreams and achieved what many might have considered impossible,” said Kong in a statement. “I feel very fortunate to have played a role in building BWH Hotel Group into the brand it is today. I have always wanted to move on at my peak. With our caring culture, our extraordinary hoteliers, executive team and corporate staff, I have no doubt the best is yet to come for BWH Hotel Group.”
The Industry Responds
“David Kong is a once in a lifetime leader whose contributions to Best Western and BWH Hotel Group are truly immeasurable,” said Ishwar Naran, board chairman, BWH Hotel Group. “It has been the honor of my career to work alongside David and witness first-hand his remarkable passion and dedication to our industry. David has always led by example and, most importantly, cared deeply about those he serves from hoteliers, to colleagues, associates, guests and communities.”
“David Kong is recognized in our industry as a leader that truly cares about people,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association. “He has been an amazing leader and among the most respected people in this industry.”
“David has been a mentor to so many of us over the years,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “He inspired me early in my career as he has so many others to get more involved in our industry, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA and the U.S. Travel Association. He is someone I trust and greatly admire.”
“David’s legacy is the integrity of a promise, keeping your word and delivering on it,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “He’s a role model for how this industry leads to fulfilling careers, going from the frontline to CEO, as he's done.”
“What he has been able to do with Best Western is really create the consistency of the highest level of performance,” added Rogers. “David has created an environment at Best Western that encourages its owners to be their best and to create the best products.”
“David took the company through a significant transformation from a single brand to a multi brand family,” said Pat Pacious, president and CEO, Choice Hotels International. “That required a lot of listening, a lot of partnership and a lot of persuasion, but created a great outcome for his company and his members.”
“David brought a sense of family to life at Best Western,” added Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corp. “Everyone affiliated with Best Western has a similar family feel and I think David did a great job of nurturing that even as he was navigating and leading a very significant transformation for the company.”
“David not only led the company through its most devastating time yet, but he inspired hope, encouraged those around him to not be defined by their hardships, and showed others the light inside each of them to continue fighting and enduring,” added Naran. “Throughout the darkness of the pandemic, David led with caring, empathy, and a steadfast resolve to overcome. He set an example of leadership through crisis that will be remembered for generations to come.”
BWH Hotel Group will announce a new CEO at the company’s annual convention on Oct. 7. The company has 18 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories either open or in development.