BWH Hotels announced that its board of directors elected Steve Wahrlich as its chairperson for 2025 last 16th December.
Previously the board’s vice-chair, Wahrlich, brings decades of hospitality experience and over 40 years of BWH Hotels ownership to his new role.
The board also elected Viral Patel as its vice-chair, and Rajesh Patel as its secretary-treasurer.
BWH Hotels president and chief executive Larry Cuculic said of Wahrlich: “He has been a valued and trusted hotelier for many years. His deep understanding of BWH Hotels, combined with his extensive industry experience, makes him the ideal leader to help direct our board and broader organization. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic vision, strengthening our market position, and creating lasting value for our hoteliers and guests.”
Extensive experience
Wahrlich owned and operated several BWH Hotels properties over the past 40 years.
His portfolio includes the Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn, a Best Western Hotels & Resorts property in Billings, Montana, which has been around since 1966.
Under his stewardship, the hotel has earned the renowned TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for seven consecutive years.
In addition to this property, Wahrlich also owns the Best Western Plus Hilltop in Redding, California, which has been part of the BWH Hotels family since 1977.
He said of his new appointment: “It is a tremendous honour to be selected as the board chairperson of BWH Hotels. Having been part of this extraordinary company for many years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing our evolution into a global hospitality powerhouse. BWH Hotels has an incredibly rich legacy, and I am looking forward to working alongside our dedicated leadership team and fellow Directors to continue advancing our portfolio with an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.”
A Denver, Colorado native, Wahrlich holds a degree in Real Estate Management and Finance from the University of Colorado.
