Vancouver-headquartered Interstate Hotels & Resorts is making its presence felt in Moscow by opening an office in the Russian capital shortly after releasing plans for a fifth hotel in the city.
Interstate CEO Thomas Hewitt, explained the rationale behind the new base. ”We recently announced our fifth management contract in Moscow and have an active pipeline for future growth. Our new office and executive team will give us greater operational strength and allow us to achieve strong economies of scale. We have also enhanced our ability to source additional new contracts and/or development and acquisition opportunities, both in Russia and throughout Europe”.
Kenneth McLaren is to head up the new team as Interstate Management Services executive vice president, with all general managers of the Moscow properties reporting directly to him. Irina Kulagina is vice president sales and marketing at the new office with the added responsibility of new business development. Vice president-director of projects Mikhail Rodionov, will oversee the company”s capital projects in Moscow and assist in the renovation and construction of new properties.