Board Committee Starts Process to Select Eventual Successor
CHICAGO (December 11, 2014) – Hotel Technology Next Generation, the membership association that unites the world’s hospitality companies and technology innovators to solve industry challenges, announced a two-year extension of its contract with Douglas C. Rice as its Chief Executive Officer, through December 2016. At the same time, Rice has advised the Board of his desire to retire from HTNG once successor executive leadership can be selected and after an appropriate transition period. The Board has formed a Succession Planning Committee to identify a new CEO in due course, and will begin interviewing qualified candidates, both internal and external, in the near future.
“Douglas Rice’s founding vision for HTNG and willingness to serve as its chief executive during the past 13 years speaks to his significant contribution to the organization,” said Monika Nerger, CIO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and President of HTNG. “Through his leadership, tenacity and passion for making a difference for the industry, HTNG has become a strong and vibrant organization that today engages more than 4,000 industry professionals, with activities in all major world regions. It has delivered tangible value to IT leaders, to our hotel owners and to our guests, by facilitating vendor cooperation and innovation and by educating the industry on emerging technologies. As staff leader, Douglas Rice has positioned HTNG to continue expanding its industry impact for many years to come.”
“I have had the privilege of guiding this organization from its very beginning, and to work with an amazing group of talented and dedicated people,” said Douglas Rice. “As I approach my retirement years, the most important thing to me is to ensure HTNG’s continued long-term growth, relevance and impact. I am committed to working with the Board as long as necessary to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. I expect to remain actively involved in the HTNG membership community for many years to come.”
Individuals who may be interested in being considered for HTNG’s CEO role should make themselves known to the Succession Planning Committee at [email protected]. The position currently oversees a full-time staff of ten professionals at HTNG’s headquarters office in suburban Chicago.
