Terry Bichsel elected chairman of the board for Best Western

Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced that its board of directors elected Terry Bichsel as board chairman for 2017. Bichsel brings more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having held executive management positions at several notable companies. He will draw on his background and expertise in guiding the Best Western brand.

Terry Bichsel, the new chairman
of the board for Best Western 
Hotels & Resorts

“Since joining the board of directors, Bichsel has played a key leadership role in the unprecedented successes our brand has achieved,” David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. “With his strategic and thoughtful approach to our industry and company, I am confident that 2017 will be another groundbreaking year for our timeless brand.”

Bichsel was elected to the Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ board of directors in 2014 to represent the interest of Best Western hotels owners in seven western states: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, and Canada’s western provinces. Bichsel previously served as the secretary-treasurer in 2015 and vice-chairman in 2016.

“I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to serve as chairman of the board for this industry-leading brand,” Bichsel said in a statement. “In the year ahead, we will build on our brand’s exceptional momentum which has positioned Best Western as an innovative company exceeding the expectations of both today and tomorrow’s travelers around the world.”

Bichsel, a certified hotel administrator, started his hospitality career at an early age and became a GM at 22 years old. He has worked throughout the United States serving as GM of several hotels and regional VP for multiple branded hotels. He has held senior-level executive management positions for organizations such as John Q. Hammons Hotels (Springfield, Mo.), the Parks & Resorts Division for ARAMARK Corporation (Philadelphia) and all tours and land-based operations for Holland America Cruise Line (Seattle). Bichsel launched his own company in 2002.