James R Abrahamson

Portrait
, Independent Chair James R Abrahamson

Mr. Abrahamson served as Chairman of Interstate Hotels & Resorts (“Interstate”), the leading US-based global hotel management company comprising over 500 hotels until the sale of Interstate to Aimbridge Hospitality in October 2019. He previously served as Interstate’s Chief Executive Officer from 2011 to March 2017; he was named to the additional position of Chairman in October 2016. Mr. Abrahamson served as an independent director at LaQuinta Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LQ) from November 2015 to May 2018, and has served as a director of CorePoint Lodging Inc.(NYSE: CPLG), a REIT comprised of over 300 hotels, since it was spun out of La Quinta Holdings, Inc. at the end of May 2018. Mr. Abrahamson is also an independent director at BrightView Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BV), the largest provider of commercial landscape design and maintenance services in the United States. Mr. Abrahamson also held senior leadership positions with InterContinental Hotels Group (NYSE: IHG), Hyatt Corporation, Marcus Corporation and Hilton Worldwide. At IHG, where he served from 2009 to 2011, he served as President of the Americas division and, from 2010 to 2011, as executive director. At Hyatt, which he joined in 2004, he was Head of Development for the Americas division. At Marcus, where he served from 2000 to 2004, Mr. Abrahamson was President of the Baymont Inn and Suites and Woodfield Suites hotels division consisting of approximately 200 properties, both owned and franchised. At Hilton, where he served from 1988 to 2000, Mr. Abrahamson oversaw the Americas region franchise division for all Hilton brands and launched the Hilton Garden Inn brand. Mr. Abrahamson has served as president of the Marriott International National Association owners’ organization in 2017 and 2018, and has served as national board chair of the American Hotel and Lodging Association in 2015 and 2016 and as national board chair of the U.S. Travel Association in 2013 and 2014. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Abrahamson’s vast experience in, and knowledge of, the hospitality industry will provide our board of directors with valuable insight into the industry. Mr. Abrahamson’s skills gained from extensive previous and current board service in public and private companies will also be valuable for our Company and our board of directors.