Incumbent Senior Vice President and General Counsel at BWH Hotel Group, Larry Cuculic, will step up to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of David Kong, the company announced overnight.
Named at the company’s Annual Convention at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Cuculic succeeds David Kong at the helm of the company, having served in his current role for the past 12 years. During this time, he has assisted Kong in driving the company’s brand and portfolio growth, growing RevPAR and ensured continued positive guest feedback and hotel satisfaction ratings.
Prior to joining BWH Hotel Group, Cuculic held the role of Senior Vice President General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Wabash National Corporation and has also served as a Partner in law firm Gambs, Mucker and Bauman. Cuculic is an esteemed retired member of the U.S. Army, with his decorated service including various high-ranking legal roles including as a military judge.
Speaking of his new role, Cuculic said it was a true honour to have been selected by the Board of Directors as the company’s new President and CEO.
“During my tenure with the organisation I have had the great privilege of working alongside David Kong and witnessing the remarkable impact he has made on our company and the industry as a whole,” Cuculic said.
“I can only hope to live up to the legacy David is leaving behind and I am committed to ensuring the long-term success of our members and our organisation.”
Speaking in his final appearance at an Annual Convention in an official role with the company, Kong said he was pleased to be passing the reigns to his long-term colleague, Larry Cuculic.
“I have worked alongside Larry for 12 years and have been continually inspired by his thoughtful leadership and strategic thinking,” Kong said.
“He is the right person to lead our organisation through the recovery phase of the pandemic and to capitalise on new opportunities ahead. I am confident that together with our strong senior executive team, Larry will drive even more success for BWH Hotel Group and our hoteliers in the years ahead.”
Cuculic will officially take effect in his new role from 1 December 2021 when Kong moves into his retirement.