Wyndham Hotel Group Appoints President and MD of North America Franchise Operations

Wyndham Hotel Group has appointed Rui Barros as president and managing director of North America franchise operations.

In this role, Barros will be responsible for Wyndham Hotel Group’s field and brand operations functions, overseeing operational performance, ongoing franchisee support efforts and preferred client services for Wyndham Hotel Group properties in North America.

A seasoned hospitality industry veteran, Barros has held a number of high-level operations positions with Wyndham Hotel Group. Most recently, he served as president and managing director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean, responsible for Wyndham Hotel Group’s development, operations and cross-functional brand initiatives throughout the region.

Previously, Barros was brand senior vice president for the company’s Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotel brands. He has also served the company as vice president of group operations, in which he played an instrumental role in establishing the company’s field operations efforts; and senior vice president of operations, Latin America, in which he provided oversight for all of Wyndham Hotel Group’s brands and services in that region.

“A proven leader with nearly 25 years of hospitality experience, Rui’s expertise will be extremely valuable as we continue to grow our brands in key markets throughout North America and optimize services to our partners, owners and franchisees,” said Bob Loewen, Wyndham Hotel Group’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Prior to Wyndham Hotel Group, Barros served in a variety of regional and property level management roles with SORA Management, Inc., in Las Vegas, Nev. and the Marquis and the Racquet Club, both in Palm Springs, Calif. He began his career as a front desk associate for a Wyndham Resort and Conference Center, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Barros will be based in the Wyndham Hotel Group’s Parsippany, New Jersey offices.