ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 6, 2018 — Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced the promotion of Brian Kirkland to the position of Chief Technology Officer. In this new leadership role, Kirkland will oversee the company's overall information technology strategy, development and operations. He will report directly to John Bonds, senior vice president, enterprise operations and technology.
Kirkland has been a key member of Choice's technology innovation team since 2015, which is based in Phoenix, Ariz. He previously served as vice president of engineering. Recently, Kirkland notably led Choice's efforts to successfully design and launch the industry's first new global reservation system in 30 years, choiceEDGE.
"The introduction of the choiceEDGE platform showcases that Choice is at the forefront of innovation and built to effectively handle the volume on digital channels for the future," said John Bonds, senior vice president, enterprise operations and technology. "Brian's expert leadership and extensive technology experience was crucial to the overall success of the initiative. Overseeing major undertakings like this are a perfect example of why Brian is ideally suited to take on this broader role and guide Choice's technology organization for today and tomorrow."
Prior to joining Choice Hotels, Kirkland held leadership and software development positions at leading technology companies, GoDaddy and Media Temple. Kirkland earned his bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's in business administration from Arizona State University. He is also a member of Arizona's Information Technology Authorization Committee (ITAC), as well as Arizona State University's Executive Council for the Department of Information Systems.
