SONESTA APPOINTS JOHN MURRAY AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2022

Rhea-AI Summary

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announces the appointment of John Murray as President and CEO, effective April 1, 2022. Murray, who has served as a Managing Trustee and CEO of Service Properties Trust (SVC) since 2018, succeeds Carlos Flores, who resigns for personal reasons. With over 25 years of experience, Murray aims to leverage his expertise to further enhance Sonesta's growth and brand awareness. Sonesta, ranking 8th in the U.S. hospitality sector with 1,200 properties, is poised for continued expansion and exceptional guest experiences.

Positive

• John Murray's appointment brings over 25 years of industry experience, promising strong leadership.
• Murray's prior role in SVC indicates familiarity with Sonesta's operations, facilitating a smooth transition.
• Sonesta's ranking as the 8th fastest-growing hospitality company highlights its market potential.

Negative

• Transitioning leadership may present continuity challenges during the changeover.

Hotel Industry Veteran Brings Over 25 Years of Experience to the Role

NEWTON, Mass., March 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced that John Murray, a Director of Sonesta since 2018, has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2022.

Mr. Murray has been a Managing Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Properties Trust (Nasdaq: SVC), which owns a 34% interest in Sonesta, since 2018 and a member of SVC's management team since its initial public offering in 1995. Mr. Murray currently serves on the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Development Council and the American Hotel Lodging Association (ALHA) Hotel Investment Roundtable. Mr. Murray succeeds Carlos Flores, who is resigning from his position of the last seven years effective March 31, 2022 to relocate his family back to California. Following his resignation, Mr. Flores will continue with Sonesta as an advisor to Mr. Murray and the company.

John Murray made the following statement regarding today's announcement:

"I am very excited to assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at Sonesta, which is well poised for further growth and expansion. As Sonesta has greatly expanded its number of hotels over the last few years under Carlos's leadership, it has also enhanced the depth, quality, and experience of the Sonesta team. We are grateful to Carlos for his tremendous contribution to Sonesta. I look forward to working closely with the talented leadership team, whom I know well, and our more than 6,000 dedicated employees to continue Sonesta's growth, enhance Sonesta's brand awareness and deliver an exceptional guest experience."

In connection with his transition to President and Chief Executive Officer of Sonesta, Mr. Murray will resign from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Properties Trust and President and Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Logistics Properties Trust (Nasdaq: ILPT).  Mr. Murray will continue to serve as a Managing Trustee on the boards of SVC and ILPT.  Mr. Murray will also continue to serve as Executive Vice President of The RMR Group (Nasdaq: RMR) and a member of RMR's Executive Operating Committee. Sonesta, SVC and ILPT are clients of RMR, a leading U.S. alternative asset management company.

Sonesta is one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the U.S., currently ranked 8^th by Smith Travel Research (STR) with 1,200 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 15 brands in eight countries.  You will find nearly 300 hotels under one of Sonesta's seven brands – Royal Sonesta; Sonesta Hotels & Resorts; Sonesta Select; Sonesta ES Suites; Sonesta Simply Suites; Sonesta Posadas del Inca; Sonesta Cruise Collection – operating in the U.S., Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Peru, and St. Maarten.  Sonesta also owns and franchises eight other brands including – Hotel RL; Red Lion Hotels; Red Lion Inn & Suites; Signature Inn; GuestHouse Extended Stay; Knights Inn; Americas Best Value Inn; Canadas Best Value Inn – with nearly 900 franchised properties across the U.S. and Canada.  For more information about Sonesta visit franchise.sonesta.com.

Media Contacts:

Joele Frank, Wilkinson, Brimmer Katcher
Andrew Siegel /Jack Kelleher
212-355-4449

Sonesta
Lorie Juliano
617-421-5429

 

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SOURCE Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of Sonesta?

John Murray has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, effective April 1, 2022.

What was the reason for Carlos Flores' resignation?

Carlos Flores resigned from his position to relocate his family back to California but will continue as an advisor to Sonesta.

How will John Murray's previous experience benefit Sonesta?

Murray's 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, particularly his leadership at Service Properties Trust, will provide valuable insights and direction for Sonesta's future growth.

What is Sonesta's current position in the hotel industry?

Sonesta is currently ranked 8th in the U.S. hospitality sector, with 1,200 properties and 100,000 guest rooms across various brands.