Ricci previously operated his own Ontario-based franchise sales and consulting firm, Dennis Ricci & Associates.  In that capacity he supported Days Inn, Ramada and Travelodge franchise sales efforts in Canada.

From 1985 to 1990 he was president of the Ottawa Hospitality Division of Douglas McDonald Developments in Ontario.  He worked for the Howard Johnson brand from 1980 to 1985 as director of development and vice president of sales, based in Toronto.  

Ricci received his bachelor of commercial science degree from Seattle University, Washington, in 1964.

Cendant Corporation�s Hotel Group, based in Parsippany, N.J., is the world�s largest lodging franchisor with 6,397 open hotels representing 518,143 rooms on five continents under the Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Travelodge®, Howard Johnson®, Knights Inn®, Villager, Wingate Inn® and AmeriHost Inn® brands.