David Pepper is chief development officer for worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International, Inc. A member of the senior executive team, he is responsible for driving unit growth for each of the company’s brands in key markets worldwide. Mr. Pepper has been responsible for leading franchise sales to record levels during his tenure at Choice.
Mr. Pepper joined Choice in 2002 as vice president of franchise sales and development for the company’s new construction brands, and became senior vice president of franchise development for North America in 2004. In this role, Mr. Pepper led Choice’s acquisition of Suburban Extended Stay, and served as an integral part of the team that launched the Cambria hotels & suites brand. While adding these brands to the Choice portfolio, Mr. Pepper took on additional roles in brand strategy and operations of the company’s upscale and extended-stay brands, including marketing, design and construction, franchise development, franchise services and quality assurance.
Mr. Pepper was named to his current position as chief development officer in November 2015 after serving as senior vice president, global franchise development, since 2009. Prior to Choice, Mr. Pepper spent six years with US Franchise Systems as vice president of franchise sales for Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns. He also spent five years with Holiday Inn Worldwide as director of franchise sales.
A graduate of Tufts University, Mr. Pepper has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is actively involved in a number of industry organizations, including the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, UJA-Hospitality Division and was past Chairman of the Council of Inn and Suites for the American Hotel and Lodging Association.