Vantage Adds Bill Hanley
OCTOBER 4, 2007. With an extremely strong presence in the United States, Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc. has appointed Bill Hanley, a seasoned veteran in international hotel development, to expand the presence of its Americas Best Value Inn and Lexington Collection brands throughout the world.
As the Partner and Managing Director of International Development for the newly established Vantage Hospitality Group Canada, Inc., Hanley will continue to expand the limited-service brand, Canadas Best Value Inn, while working closely with Steve Belmonte, CEO, President and Partner of The Lexington Collection, to pursue new locations throughout Canada to develop the upper-mid to upscale brand.
"With nine Canadas Best Value Inns, Vantage already has a foot-hold in Canada," said Hanley. "My goal is to quickly expand that brand while building awareness of the incredible opportunities available through The Lexington Collection for three and four diamond plus hotel owners."
In addition to Canada, Hanley is researching other viable areas including India, Great Britain, South and Central America, and Europe.
Hanley certainly has the knowledge and ability to make Vantage a worldwide name. As senior vice president and managing director for Cendant, Hanley developed and managed franchise operations for Cendant's hotel brands in over 20 countries and directed a global organization with operations in four continents.
"Now is the perfect time to bring someone with Bill Hanley's experience into the Vantage family," said Roger Bloss, CEO and Founder. "Vantage's flexible membership model has been very well received in the international community. Recently, we've opened the door into China with great results, but with Bill's expertise, we will be able to expand quickly into many new territories, not only in China, but throughout the world."
Hanley will work closely with Martin Soran, CEO of Chinas Best Value Inn and Lexington Hotel Company, Ltd. Shanghai, PRC. Soran, who holds the master license to market and sell these two hotel brands throughout greater China, has signed many Chinese properties since joining Vantage just a year ago. New openings before the end of the year include The Lexington in Shenyang and a Chinas Best Value Inn in Shanghai. Many additional properties, including another Shanghai Chinas Best Value Inn, a Suzhou Chinas Best Value Inn, and a Wuhan Lexington are expected to open shortly thereafter in 2008.
"This is a very exciting time for Vantage," said Bloss. "Bill and I have a lot of history together - both professionally and personally. In fact, I reported to Bill while we were both with Forte Hotels many years ago. His professional advice and friendship have really molded me into the person I am today. I am so fortunate to surround myself with such talented people and I am honored to work with Bill again."
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