BOSTON, Feb. 13 - ITT Sheraton announced today that it has appointed Robert Morse as President, Franchise Division, effective February 17, 1997, bringing to the position extensive experience as a franchisee, franchise and corporate hotel general manager, company liaison with franchisees and divisional operations director for multiple hotels. Mr. Morse will be responsible for worldwide franchise development of Four Points Hotels and, exclusively in the U.S. and Canada, for overall franchise operations, relationships, hotel standards, quality assurance, sales and marketing and development for ITT Sheraton's nearly 200 franchised Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Four Points Hotels and Sheraton Inns, representing more than 47,000 guest rooms. Mr. Morse will report directly to Daniel P. Weadock, President and Chief Executive Officer, ITT Sheraton Corporation, and replaces Kirk Kinsell, who leaves the company on February 16.
"We searched internally and externally for the proper candidate, and we found an ideal selection in Bob, who offers a unique career history as a franchisee, franchisor and manager of franchised, company-owned and -managed hotels. He has negotiated and closed deals from both sides of the table, and I like that. Bob's background fits perfectly to lead the kinds of relationships we have developed with existing hotel owners and those with whom we seek to connect. His experience in developing
relationships will maintain the momentum we have built for our newest brand, Four Points Hotels, which is the fastest-growing new midscale hotel brand in the country. His knowledge of our company and what it offers to hotels will serve our franchise community well, as will his previous tenure with Mr. Flatley's organization, which remains a long-standing franchise relationship we value," said Mr. Weadock.
Mr. Morse is being promoted from the position of Senior Vice President, Area Director of Operations, North America Division, ITT Sheraton Corporation and Managing Director, Sheraton Gateway Atlanta. He joined ITT Sheraton Corporation in 1989, as Director, Operations Support for the Eastern Region of the North America Division and for North America's Franchise arm. From 1992- 1995, he served as General Manager, Sheraton Boston Hotel & Towers. In his current position, he is responsible for directing operations at 15 Sheraton Hotels representing more than 10,000 guest rooms in the United States.
Before joining ITT Sheraton Corporation, Mr. Morse spent 12 years from 1977-1989 with The Flatley Company, a New England-based hotel and real estate development leader. He held a series of progressively responsible positions, including General Manager of the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Braintree, Sheraton Tara Hotel in Danvers, Mass., Tara Hotels, Director of Operations and Senior Vice President, Director of Hotel Operations, reporting directly to Tom Flatley.
"ITT Sheraton has demonstrated long-term commitment to franchising, and they have taken the steps that fortify support from the people who own its franchised hotels," said Mike Martino, Chairman, International Council, which is comprised of ITT Sheraton's franchised hotel owners' representatives.
"As Mr. Weadock committed to us, he has created clear branding, attracted and retained franchise owners who share the company's goal of maintaining high quality hotels, launched international expansion of Four Points Hotels, and fortified lasting relationships with owners and customers. What the company promised, it has delivered, and because of that, we are confident about the role that franchising plays in the future for ITT Sheraton," he added.
"Under Bob's leadership, we will stay the course, building on the strength and momentum established by Kirk Kinsell, and we will continue with the plans and style that Kirk created, which are the hallmark and trademark of ITT Sheraton's Franchise Division," Mr. Weadock said.
"I'm delighted that Bob was selected to lead the Franchise Division; he was at the top of the list of candidates I provided to Dan. Bob's character, energy and experience from both sides of our business uniquely allow him to know and anticipate the needs of developers, investors, operators and customers," said S. Kirk Kinsell, President, ITT Sheraton Franchise Division.
It's exciting to pick up the ball with a team that is moving forward, growing what Kirk has built over the past two years," said Mr. Morse. "Four Points Hotels is already a well-received, established brand, and the international expansion initiative is well underway."
ITT Sheraton's franchised properties are managed by a strong franchise team, including experts in franchise operations and administration, development, finance, sales and marketing.
Mr. Morse is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration. He will be based in Atlanta, where ITT Sheraton's Franchise Division is headquartered.
