05
News
www.asianhospitality.com
May 2024 | Issue 225
ack Gharib is the new president
of Red Roof Inn, assuming the
position vacated by George Limbert
10 months ago. Previously, he served
as senior vice president of operations
for Highgate Hospitality Investment &
Management Co.
The company also announced that
Fouad Malouf is now chief operating
officer, moving into the newly created
position from his previous role of senior
vice president of franchise operations. He
will oversee the company’s day-to-day
operations.
Gharib also held senior management
positions in franchising, operations
and brand management with Marriott
International, Vacasa Vacation Homes and
Rentals and LaQuinta by Wyndham Hotels
& Resorts. Malouf joined the company in
1982.
“We are happy to welcome Zack
Gharib as Red Roof’s new president, an
appointment that we are confident will
take the brand and its franchise partners
to new heights. Zack brings a laser focus
on growth and operations excellence to
his new role and has demonstrated his
ability to deliver transformative results for
some of the most widely regarded brands
in the hotel industry,” said Mohamed
Thowfeek, member of the Red Roof board
of directors and the company’s
interim president. “We look
forward to Zack’s immediate
positive impact on Red Roof
and its franchisees, and also
congratulate Fouad Malouf on
his promotion to chief operating
officer. Fouad brings unmatched
knowledge and experience
with the Red Roof brand and
franchise community and
will work closely with Zack to
accelerate the company’s growth
and franchising excellence in the
months ahead.”
Gharib is relocating to
Columbus, Ohio, and will
operate out of Red Roof’s
corporate headquarters there.
“I am deeply honored and
excited to be joining Red Roof as its
president at this dynamic and promising
moment in the company’s development,”
Gharib said. “I am passionate about
helping owners, franchisees and team
members achieve their fullest potential,
deliver exceptional guest service, and
achieve operational excellence – which I
hope will be instrumental in driving Red
Roof’s continued growth and success. I
look forward to developing a program of
focused action and results that will help
drive this venerable brand’s growth and
transformation for many years to come.”
AAHOA issued a statement
congratulating Gharib and Malouf.
“AAHOA extends its sincerest
congratulations to Zack on being named
president of our longtime partner Red
Roof,” said Miraj Patel, AAHOA chairman.
“AAHOA members own some 93 percent
of Red Roof properties, and we look
forward to continuing our
longstanding relationship
with the brand under Zack’s
leadership.”
“AAHOA welcomes Zack
and Fouad to their new roles,”
said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA
president and CEO. “With Zach’s
franchising, operations, and
brand-management expertise,
and Fouad’s 40-plus years of
experience, we know the future
is bright for Red Roof and its
franchisees under its new
leadership team.”
Limbert left the company
last June to become chief
administrative officer and
general counsel of Feazel
Roofing in Columbus, Ohio.
Gharib is the new
Red Roof president
SVP for franchise operations Malouf is now chief operating officer
Zack Gharib, left, is the new president of Red Roof Inn and Fouad Malouf, the company’s senior vice
president for franchise operations is now chief operating officer.
Zack Gharib succeeds George Limbert, who stepped down from the Red
Roof presidency last July to become chief administrative officer and general
counsel of Feazel Roofing in Columbus, Ohio.