Choice Hotels International has chosen Robert McDowell for the newly-created position of senior vice president of global distribution.

Published: 30 May 2011

Choice Hotels International has chosen Robert McDowell for the newly-created position of senior vice president of global distribution.

In this role, McDowell will be responsible for the development and execution of Choice’s growing global, multi-channel marketing and distribution strategy.

McDowell joins Choice Hotels from United Airlines, where he served as managing director of distribution and e-Commerce. At Choice, he will oversee all direct distribution channels, revenue management, global sales and marketing channels, e-Commerce, and all channel partner relationships.

McDowell will report to Patrick Pacious, executive vice president, global strategy, distribution and technology.

Pacious said the appointment comes at a stage when the company is continuing to drive even more business to its franchisees through its proprietary central reservations channels while adapting to meet the needs of an ever-changing distribution environment.

In his most recent position at United Airlines, McDowell was responsible for the company’s distribution strategy through all direct and non-direct sales channels, including United.com, the company’s contact centres and all related sales channels. In his 15 years at United, he held positions of increasing responsibility in sales, revenue management and strategic planning.

He also served as chief operating officer for C&H International, a $600 million international travel agency, overseeing the company’s daily operations.