Wyndham Hotel Group appoints Philippe Bijaoui as EMEA development chief

Hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group has named Philippe Bijaoui as chief development officer for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa.

He will oversee the company’s expansion across the region, introducing additional brands to established markets and building on the 73 countries where Wyndham hotels can already be found.

 

 

Bijaoui was previously vice president development Europe for InterContinental Hotel Group and has also worked for Rezidor and Club Med.

 

 

The group has introduced the Super 8 budget brand to Europe this year, opening the 50th hotel in Turkey, expanding into Greece with the Wyndham Grand Athens and announcing new hotels in emergent destinations such as Oman, Iraq and Ethiopia.

 

 

Wyndham EMEA president and managing director, Daniel Ruff, said: “All around the world a rapidly growing middle class is discovering the excitement of international travel.

 

 

“Wyndham Hotel Group’s development strategy is bold but simple – we work with local partners to bring quality accommodation to a diverse number of locations, so that, no matter where adventure leads, our guests can find the hotel brands they know and love.

 

 

“Philippe has a stellar reputation in the EMEA development community, and I am confident he is the best person to lead our aggressive expansion plans for the region.”

 

 

Bijaoui said: “Destinations across the region are in need of an international standard of hotel accommodation for growing inbound and domestic visitor numbers, and Wyndham Hotel Group has only begun to tap the potential in these markets.”