US hotel franchisor Choice Hotels International has lined up deputy general counsel Jeff Lobb to replace GC Simone Wu when she retires later this spring.
Lobb has been deputy GC since 2017 and will take over from Wu on 26 March. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s legal and public policy strategy, and serve on its executive leadership team. He will report directly to president and CEO Pat Pacious.
North Bethesda, Maryland-based Choice Hotels is one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, with more than 7,500 hotels and brands including Radisson’s Americas business, Cambria and Quality Inn.
Pacious said: “Jeff is a leader whose deep legal expertise, steady judgement and long history with Choice Hotels make him exceptionally well suited to serve as our next SVP, general counsel and secretary.
“For nearly two decades, Jeff has been a thoughtful advisor and valued partner across the organisation, helping guide some of our most complex and strategic initiatives. I’m confident he will continue to be an outstanding steward of our values and business as we look ahead.”
Lobb joined Choice Hotels in 2006 as assistant GC from Arent Fox, where he was an associate. He started his career at legacy Pillsbury Winthrop.
He said: “I’m honoured to step into this role and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Choice Hotels. This is a company with a strong culture, clear values and a long history of doing what’s right for its associates, franchisees, shareholders and guests. I look forward to building on that foundation and supporting Choice Hotels’ continued growth and success.”
Wu, meanwhile, leaves Choice after 14 years as the company’s GC. She joined in 2012 from XO Communications, where she was also GC. She was previously associate counsel at MCI Communications, having started her career at Skadden Arps.
Pacious said: “Simone has been a trusted leader and strategic partner to the board, management team and associates for more than 14 years – guiding Choice Hotels through many pivotal moments with integrity, discernment and deep care for our people. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and leadership, and we wish her all the best as she begins her next chapter.”
Back in January last year, Rosewood Hotels hired former Kempinski GC Hadrian Beltrametti Walker as vice president for legal covering the EMEA and Caribbean regions.
And in September 2024, French hotel brand owner Louvre Hotel Group promoted legal director Grégorie Bouffard to GC.
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