Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has promoted Phil Hugh to chief development officer, according to a Thursday news release shared with Hotel Dive. Hugh succeeds Brian Quinn, who is leaving Sonesta as part of a planned transition.
Hugh joined Sonesta in March 2023 as senior vice president and head of luxury and lifestyle development. His background includes more than 30 years of experience in portfolio development, brand growth and strategic partnerships. Hugh previously served as chief development officer at Radisson Hotel Group Americas and Red Roof Inn, and was CEO of Hugh Hotel Group, per his LinkedIn.
In his new role, Hugh will be tasked with the future of development at Sonesta, said Keith Pierce, executive vice president and president of franchise and development at the company.
“The Americas will remain our primary focus, with significant expansion across our portfolio of brands,” Pierce said in a statement.
Quinn joined Sonesta in March 2021, immediately following the company’s acquisition of Red Lion Hotels Corporation. During his tenure at Sonesta, he led new franchise efforts for the combined company across the full portfolio of Sonesta and Red Lion brands. He reengineered Sonesta's franchising platform, setting up internal systems and hiring the team to support rapid lodging development growth, according to the news release.
“Brian’s work with the team in 2021 resulted in opening more than 80 hotels organically, with no initial pipeline, creating positive net unit growth,” said Pierce. “His continued efforts have helped set Sonesta up for success with a dynamic organic growth strategy.”
Sonesta counts 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands. Last week, it debuted a new extended stay concept, Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta.
