Meet the Leadership Team

Board of Directors

Image of Danny Lafayette Danny Lafayette

Board Chairman

Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts is governed by a membership-elected Board of seven Directors - one from each of Best Western’s North American Districts. Directors, who are required to be Best Western owners, are elected to three-year terms, and can serve a maximum of two terms. Their leadership, passion and strategic vision for Best Western have created an iconic brand with a presence in over 100^† countries and territories across the globe.

Image of Phil Payne Phil Payne

Board Vice-Chair

Image of Stephen Wahrlich Stephen Wahrlich

Board Secretary-Treasurer

Image of Mike Merchant Mike Merchant

Board Director

Image of Viral (Victor) Patel Viral (Victor) Patel

Board Director

Image of Santosh Khanjee Santosh Khanjee

Board Director

Image of Raj Patel Raj Patel

Board Director

Executive Team

Image of Larry Cuculic Larry Cuculic

President and CEO

Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ executive team, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Cuculic, is one of the most experienced and accomplished teams of executives in the travel industry. During their tenure, Best Western has achieved unprecedented success. Their achievements include launching a transformative brand refresh, growing the award-winning Best Western Rewards^® loyalty program, receiving a record number of industry awards and accolades, and expanding the company’s portfolio from one to 19 distinctive brands across every chain scale segment – from economy to luxury. Through the team’s stable and progressive leadership, the company has truly become a modern and innovative global hospitality powerhouse.