BWH Hotels Announces Payne as New Board Chairperson

December 27, 2023

PHOENIX, AZ — BWH Hotels announced in a press release that Phil Payne has been elected by its Board of Directors the Board Chairperson for 2024. Payne, who previously served as Board Vice Chairperson, brings decades of hospitality experience and over 40 years of BWH Hotels ownership to his role as Chairperson.

“I am pleased to announce Phil Payne as our new Chairperson of the Board,” said BWH Hotels President and CEO Larry Cuculic. “Phil has been a long tenured, trusted and highly valued member of our organization for more than four decades. His many years of experience with BWH Hotels and crucial knowledge of the hospitality industry make him the ideal individual to serve as Chairperson for the upcoming year. I look forward to working alongside Phil and his colleagues on the Board of Directors during this exciting time for our brand as we navigate immense global growth and expansion, continue to deliver industry-leading customer care to our guests, and drive superior revenue to our hoteliers.”

Alongside his brothers, Payne has owned and operated six BWH Hotels properties since 1982.

“I’m honored to serve as Board Chairperson for BWH Hotels,” said Payne. “Since joining Best Western in 1982, I have been committed to making our brand the industry’s friendliest for hoteliers. This involves providing top-notch support, technology solutions, and driving superior revenue, while ensuring we exceed guest expectations. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow directors to strengthen BWH Hotels’ position as one of the world’s largest and leading hotel companies.”

In addition to electing Payne as Chairperson of the Board, the Board of Directors also elected Steve Wahrlich as Vice Chairperson and Viral “Victor” Patel as Secretary Treasurer.