Red Roof names industry veteran Zack Gharib as president, effective immediately. Gharib most recently was senior vice president of operations at Highgate. He replaces George Limbert, who left the company last year. Red Roof also names Fouad Malouf to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
Gharib brings more than two decades of senior management experience in franchising, operations and brand management with companies such as Marriott, Vacasa, LaQuinta by Wyndham and Highgate Homes. He has created and launched development, strategic planning and franchise operations programs over more than two decades of industry leadership.
Red Roof also promotes Malouf to COO. In his new role, Malouf will support Gharib by overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, as the company doubles down on the unique culture of service and execution that has made Red Roof the preferred franchise partner for hotel owners across the industry. Having joined the company in 1982, Malouf brings more than four decades of continuous and increasing management responsibility to his new role. He most recently served as senior vice president for franchise operations.
“We are happy to welcome Zack Gharib as Red Roof’s new president, an appointment that we are confident will take the brand and its franchise partners to new heights," Mohamed Thowfeek, member of the Red Roof board of directors and Red Roof interim president, said in a statement. "Zack brings a laser focus on growth and operations excellence to his new role, and has demonstrated his ability to deliver transformative results for some of the most widely regarded brands in the hotel industry.”
“We look forward to Zack’s immediate positive impact on Red Roof and its franchisees, and also congratulate Fouad Malouf on his promotion to chief operating officer. Fouad brings unmatched knowledge and experience with the Red Roof brand and franchise community, and will work closely with Zack to accelerate the company’s growth and franchising excellence in the months ahead.”
Gharib is relocating to Columbus, Ohio, and will operate out of Red Roof’s corporate headquarters there.