Choice Hotels International has named Chris Malone as chief marketing officer. The post took effect March 3.
In his new role, Malone oversees the company’s global consumer marketing, worldwide travel industry sales, e-commerce and reservation efforts. He replaced Wayne Weilgus, the former chief marketing officer and executive vice president who left the company last July.
Malone most recently worked as senior vice president of marketing for Aramark Corp, a multinational food, facility and uniform services company. He was credited with adopting the firm’s consumer-focused growth strategy, as well as developing and leading strategic marketing initiatives.
Prior to that, Malone was a co-founder and principal consultant at Zyman marketing Group, a marketing strategy consultancy.
Weilgus joined Choice Hotels in 2000. During that time, he helped spearhead a number of marketing programs, including the Thanks for Traveling campaign and the I’ve Been Everywhere advertising campaign. He was also credited with developing partnerships with Bank of America, Little League Baseball and more than 10 airlines.
Until Malone was hired, the marketing team reported to Joseph M. Squeri, Choice Hotel’s president and chief operating officer.
Choice Hotels International operates 12 brands, including Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Inn Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.
