Rick Takach Elected Chairman of IAHI

Takach’s chairmanship announced during 2007 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Confere

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. October 14, 2008

OCTOBER 29, 2007. Hotel industry leader Rick Takach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vesta Hospitality in Vancouver, Washington, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of IAHI, the Owners' Association of IHG.

"Rick has a compelling vision for what the IAHI can accomplish. Enhancing the overall value of our hotels and advancing the emphasis on quality will be at the forefront of his plan," says Michael Hoffman, Immediate Past Chairman of the IAHI and President of Turf Hotels, Inc. in Albany, New York. "He is a natural leader with an impressive history and thorough understanding of how best to keep the influence of our Association moving forward. It will be an honor to work with Rick as I continue to serve on the Board of Directors."

Takach, who has more than 25 years of experience in the lodging industry, will apply this depth of knowledge as he serves the Association's more than 2,700 members globally. Takach plans to continue the IAHI's focus on quality that Mike Hoffman began. "My experience in the hospitality industry has prepared me to take on the very important role of leading the IAHI," Takach says. "It is all about protecting our members' return on investment."

Takach adds: "We will support IHG's quality drive, which includes improved service and product, as well as creating an experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of each and every one of our guests."

In fact, he believes that there are three basic measures of service quality: cleanliness, curb appeal, and staff interaction. As IAHI Chairman, he will lead by example by challenging his own hotels to improve quality scores by eight percent in 2008. "Let's think of it as "8 in '08," Takach says, "It's a goal that I would encourage all IHG owners to work toward. Improved quality improves guest experience which improves brand value."

In addition, Takach will promote a continuous and open flow of communication between IAHI leadership and the Association's members. He believes that this type of connection will ensure that a true representation of owner input can be demonstrated when influencing IHG brand standards and the industry.

Takach began his career as a night auditor at a ski lodge in Vail, Colorado after graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in business administration. He co-founded Vesta Hospitality in 1996. Through his leadership, the company has grown nationally and now owns and manages 13 hotels in Arizona, California, Georgia, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Takach has been an IAHI Board Member since 2001. He has also served as Chairman of the IAHI Staybridge Suites and Priority Club Rewards Committees as well as held various positions on the Holiday Inn and Western Regional Committees

In addition to his work with the IAHI, Takach is active in his local community. As a Rotarian, he has twice served as chairman of the annual Vancouver Festival of Trees event, raising more than $350,000 for the local Rotary foundation. He also supports other causes, such as the American Red Cross Hero program and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.