Choice Hotels' President Steps Down

Choice Hotels International on Tuesday announced the departure of President and COO Joseph Squeri, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Squeri joined the Silver Spring, MD-based hotelier that franchises properties under 10 brands, including Comfort Inn and Clarion, in 1997 as controller and vice president of finance. Charles Ledsinger, Jr., Choice's vice chairman and CEO, lamented Squeri's decision, but said he understood. Choice's new organizational structure, which became effective January 1, divides each Choice brand into separate brand management teams, a structure the company believes will help grow the company as a whole.