Wyndham Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Daniel Ruff as president and managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Indian Ocean regions.
In this role, effective November 12, 2014, Ruff will be responsible for Wyndham Hotel Group’s strategic development and operational, marketing, revenue management and sales services to the company’s franchisees and development partners. He will be based in the company’s London offices.
Ruff joins Wyndham Hotel Group from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., in Brussels, Belgium, where he most recently led asset management for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, overseeing franchise services and operations as well as owner relations and portfolio and contract management.
“We are excited to welcome Daniel to the Wyndham Hotel Group family,” said Bob Loewen, Wyndham Hotel Group’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Daniel’s market expertise and experience in development, operations and owner relations will be advantageous as we continue to build strategic partnerships and penetrate new markets throughout both regions.”
Wyndham Hotel Group is pursuing growth for its broad portfolio of brands in key cities and markets throughout the region, with particular focus on India, the U.K., Germany, Turkey, parts of the Middle East and Africa. In addition to optimizing support for existing franchisees and development partners, the company also seeks to establish new partnerships and identify opportunities to continue the expansion of its diverse portfolio of offerings.
The company recently achieved several important milestones in both regions, including the opening of the first Howard Johnson and Ramada Encore properties in India and the first Super 8 property in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the company has recently announced the signing of several agreements that will introduce Wyndham Hotel Group brands into new markets, including the first Planet Hollywood hotel in India, the first Super 8 property in Germany, the first Ramada property in Ethiopia and the first Wyndham Hotels and Resorts property in Kenya, which will be managed by Wyndham Hotel Group’s management company.
Ruff held roles in corporate investments and development, brand integration and operations and special projects throughout his eleven-year tenure at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. He began his career as an investment banking analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston in New York, New York.
