BWH Hotels appointed former retail industry leader Bill Ryan as senior vice president and chief technology officer, the company announced Monday.
Ryan joins BWH Hotels — which comprises hotel companies WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels — after working for major retail brands like PetSmart and Urban Outfitters over the past 15 years. Most recently, Ryan served as vice president of digital commerce and customer technology at clothing and outdoor gear retailer Backcountry.
Ryan’s experience driving revenue growth and improving customer experience will help him to “leverage technology to redefine the future of travel,” BWH Hotels President and CEO Larry Cuculic said in a statement.
“Bill is an innovative and inspiring technology leader with a track record of building strong relationships and growing brand capabilities,” said Cuculic, adding that Ryan’s appointment “marks a significant step forward as we continue to enhance our digital strategy and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”
In his new role, Ryan will report directly to Cuculic, overseeing BWH Hotels’ Technology Management team to guide the brand's digital strategy and transformation.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented BWH Hotels team and bring a new outlook on how innovative digital solutions can transform the travel experience for our guests,” Ryan said in a statement. “Guest expectations are rising faster than ever, and to meet the demands of tomorrow, we must not only modernize our technology stack but also change how we work. It's about evolving both our tools and our mindset to stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape.”
Other hotel companies updating their digital tools to enhance guest experience include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which appointed Scott Strickland chief commercial officer in April, and Marriott International, which recently unveiled a suite of digital tools to ease business travel planning.
