"We are very pleased that Jim has agreed to assume the professional leadership of Best Western International," says Seaton. "He combines industry experience and respect with an appreciation of Best Western's unique membership structure. We are looking forward to his leadership and his commitment to a customer-driven philosophy."

Evans brings nearly 30 years of experience to his new position. A native of Mattoon, Ill., he entered the hospitality industry in 1970. His career has included extensive property-level management and senior corporate positions. Evans served in a variety of positions with the Hyatt organization from 1975 to 1996, serving finally as senior vice president of sales and marketing. In 1996, he became executive vice president of operations for Doubletree Hotels, and with their merger into Promus, he became senior vice president of operations for Promus.

"I'm excited about the opportunities at Best Western," says the new CEO. "Best Western is a unique combination of corporation and association, a formula which offers many strengths. Developing those areas, I believe, can take Best Western to a new level of customer service, quality and profitability."

In addition to his industry credentials, Evans has an extensive background in the leadership and management of not-for-profit membership organizations, including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Professional Convention Management Association. He was named chairman of the ASAE Foundation in 1996, the first non-association executive to hold that title. Other honors include Hyatt Director of Sales of the Year in 1976 and General Manager of the Year in 1982. In 1991, Business Travel News named him as one of the 25 Most Influential Executives in the Travel Industry. He is a business graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Ill.

Evans is the first new chief executive officer at Best Western since 1980, and the seventh to hold the position since Best Western was founded in 1946. He is expected to assume his new duties at Best Western's international headquarters in Phoenix during the week of Thanksgiving. He succeeds Ron Evans, who resigned in March after nearly 19 years, to accept a position as dean of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University.

Best Western International, Inc. is a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels. It is the world's largest lodging brand with more than 3,800 hotels in 78 countries and territories. Visit Best Western's website at www.bestwestern.com.