Board of Directors

Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park

Yunnan, China

Stephen P. Holmes

Director since: 2018

Age: 67

Board Committees

  • Executive (Chair)

Key Skills

  • Franchising
  • Hospitality/Travel
  • International
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Senior Executive and Operational Experience

Stephen P. Holmes

Non-Executive Chair

Relevant Expertise

  • Visionary leader in the global hospitality and hotel franchising industries with over 30 years of experience and leadership in the field, including guiding Wyndham’s signature Count On Me! service culture and building Wyndham Hotels from the ground up into the largest and most diverse hotel franchisor, commencing with the acquisitions of the Ramada US and Howard Johnson brands in 1990
  • Extensive M&A and capital allocation experience. Stephen has overseen and negotiated M&A and restructuring transactions for four decades, including the spin-off of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from Wyndham Worldwide, the divestiture of Wyndham Worldwide’s European vacation rentals business and the acquisition of La Quinta. He also has a long track record of returning capital to shareholders through billions of dollars of dividends and repurchases
  • Significant financial knowledge and brand portfolio management expertise from managing and growing complex hospitality portfolios as well as vehicle rental, timeshare development, timeshare exchange and vacation rental businesses in various senior executive roles

 

Career Highlights

  • Non-Executive Chair of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (2018 – Present)
  • Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Worldwide (2006 – 2018)
  • Vice Chairman and director of Cendant Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant’s Travel Content Division (1997 – 2006)
  • Vice Chairman of HFS Incorporated (1996 – 1997)
  • Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of HFS (1990 – 1996)
  • Holmes began his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte before focusing on M&A and investments, first at Reliance Group Holdings and then at Blackstone Group

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Travel + Leisure Co. (formerly Wyndham Destinations & Wyndham Worldwide) (Chairman, 2006 – 2018; Non-Executive Chairman, 2018 – Present)
  • Cendant Corporation (1997 – 2006)
  • PHH Corporation (1997 – 2005)
  • Avis Europe PLC (1997 – 2004)
  • Avis Group Holdings (2000 – 2001)
  • Director of HFS Incorporated (1994 – 1997)

 

Other

  • Bucknell University Trustee (including Vice Chair) (2007 – 2023)
  • World Travel and Tourism Council (former member)
  • Inducted to US Travel Association Hall of Leaders (2007)
Geoffrey A. Ballotti

Director since: 2018

Age: 62

Board Committees

  • Executive

Key Skills

  • Franchising
  • Hospitality/Travel
  • International
  • Marketing/Media
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Senior Executive and Operational Experience

Geoffrey A. Ballotti

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Relevant Expertise

  • Deep hospitality and hotel franchising industry knowledge from over 35 years of leadership positions and operational experience in the global hospitality and travel industry
  • Extensive leadership and expertise in strategic planning for organic and inorganic growth from his decade as CEO guiding the strategic direction, operations, growth, diversification and performance of the business of Wyndham and Wyndham Hotel Group. Geoff has led Wyndham through transformational M&A transactions like the acquisition of La Quinta, tuck-in acquisitions of AmericInn and Vienna House and the launch of organic brands such as Trademark Collection, Wyndham Alltra, Registry Collection and Echo Suites
  • Significant international experience through leadership positions at Wyndham and Starwood as well as Wyndham’s initiatives to drive global growth with a thoughtful understanding for each geographic region and its market dynamics

 

Career Highlights

  • President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotels (2018 – Present)
  • President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Hotel Group (2014 – 2018)
  • Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Destinations Network (2008 – 2014)
  • President of the North America Division of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide (2003 – 2008)
  • Various leadership positions of increasing responsibility at Starwood including Executive Vice President Operations, Senior Vice President of Southern Europe and Managing Director, Ciga Spa, Italy

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • The Steak N Shake Company (2007 – 2008)

 

Other

  • Recipient of National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) Diversity Award (2023)
  • Recipient of 2nd Annual Arne Sorenson Award for great strides in the advancement of DE&I (2023)
  • US Executive Office of the President (Economic Revival Industry Group in White House) (2020 – 2021)
  • American Hotel and Lodging Association (Current Executive Committee Member and Former Chairman)
  • US Travel Association National Chairman (2017 – 2019)
Myra J. Biblowit

Director since: 2018

Age: 75

Board Committees

  • Corporate Governance (Chair)
  • Compensation

Key Skills

  • Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
  • International
  • Marketing/Media
  • Special Events
  • Public Speaking
  • Organizational Culture and Compensation
  • Senior Executive and Operational Experience

Myra J. Biblowit

Independent Director

Relevant Expertise

  • Strong leadership, marketing and capital-raising expertise from her career as a distinguished non-profit executive, Myra has led the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) for more than 20 years, building it into the world’s largest private funder of breast cancer research. As President and CEO, she promoted BCRF’s mission globally, including its funding of over 275 scientists across 14 countries, and driving significant research progress while raising over $1.2 billion in funding. Myra has been recognized for leading one of the most financially efficient, transparent, and impactful U.S.-based nonprofits
  • Global perspective and significant boardroom experience from over 20 years as a public company director and leader of BCRF’s worldwide operations, which underpin her insights into our business as a global hotel franchising company. Myra’s unique global marketing background has also enabled her to be an open-minded and creative thinker who drives improved decision-making for our Board
  • Commitment to sound governance and community impact developed over 30 years at the helm of complex organizations, creating significant social impact for the betterment of society. These experiences inform her perspectives and actions as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee which oversees ESG and DEI, including Wyndham’s focus on operating with integrity and in a manner that reflects well on our franchisees. She has directly supported our efforts to drive gender and racial diversity in hotel ownership through our signature Women Own the Room and Black Owners and Lodging Developers (BOLD) programs

 

Career Highlights

  • President Emeritus of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (2023 – Present) and President and CEO (2001 – 2023)
  • Vice Dean for External Affairs for NYU School of Medicine and Senior Vice President of Mount Sinai-NYU Health System (1997 – 2001)
  • Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Capital Campaign for the American Museum of Natural History (1991 – 1997)

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Wyndham Worldwide (2006 – 2018)
  • Cendant Corporation (2000 – 2006)

 

Other

  • Ellig Group, Strategic Advisor for Board Services and Advisory Board Member (2024 – Present)
  • Lauder Family Office, Consultant (2023 – Present)
  • New York Women’s Forum, Member (1989 – Present)
  • Extraordinary Women on Boards, Member (2022 – Present)
  • Historic House Trust of New York City Director (2004 – Present, including as a Founder and former Co-Chair)
  • Housewares Charity Foundation, Honorary Board Member (2009 – Present)
  • Kendra Scott Yellow for Pink National Council Member (2022 – Present)
  • Project Hope for Ovarian Cancer, Advisory Board Member (2022 – Present)
  • Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children, Strategic Advisor (2023 – Present)
  • Literacy Inc. (LINC), Strategic Advisor (2023 – Present)
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Capital Campaign Committee (2024 – Present)
James E. Buckman

Director since: 2018

Age: 79

Board Committees

  • Lead Director
  • Audit
  • Compensation
  • Executive

Key Skills

  • Franchising
  • Hospitality/Travel
  • International
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Organizational Culture and Compensation

James E. Buckman

Lead Independent Director

Relevant Expertise

  • Invaluable strategic insights, hotel franchising and hospitality expertise and leadership capabilities rooted in his broad experience across senior roles at global companies in both finance and legal departments. Jim has been at the table for nearly every strategic decision since the inception of Wyndham Hotels and its predecessors and possesses a unique, intimate understanding of the business. He plays a critical role in facilitating robust debate in the boardroom as the Lead Independent Director
  • Deep understanding of risk management and governance honed from his experiences as the General Counsel at Cendant and York Capital Management. James’s legal acumen, coupled with his executive oversight, has contributed significantly to the Board’s oversight of corporate strategy and risk management in the competitive hospitality landscape as well as Board governance
  • Extensive M&A expertise gained through his background in investing at York Capital Management and from advising public companies on dozens of acquisitions during his tenure as a General Counsel at real estate, travel and hospitality-focused companies Cendant and HFS, including the acquisition of the Days Inn and Super 8 brands

 

Career Highlights

  • Vice Chairman of York Capital Management (2007 – 2012) and General Counsel of York Capital (2010 – 2012)
  • General Counsel of Cendant Corporation (1997 – 2006) and Vice Chairman (1998 – 2006)
  • Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of HFS Incorporated (1992 – 1997) and director (1994 – 1997)

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Travel + Leisure Co. (formerly Wyndham Destinations) (2006 – Present; Lead Director, 2010 – Present)
  • Cendant Corporation (1998 – 2006)
  • PHH Corporation (1997 – 2005)
  • Wex Inc. (formerly Wright Express Corp) (2004 – 2005)
  • HFS, Inc. (1994 – 1997)

 

Other

  • Sparta Insurance Holdings, Inc. (private Board Director 2007 – 2012)
  • New York Philharmonic Director (2006 – 2013)
  • Fordham University Trustee (1999 – 2022 with a year off between terms)
  • Marymount Manhattan College Trustee (including Chair) (2010 – 2015)
Bruce B. Churchill

Director since: 2018

Age: 66

Board Committees

  • Compensation (Chair)
  • Audit

Key Skills

  • Finance/Accounting
  • International
  • Marketing/Media
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Organizational Culture and Compensation
  • Senior Executive & Operational Experience

Bruce B. Churchill

Independent Director

Relevant Expertise

  • Proven leader with international operations and technology experience from holding transformative roles in Latin America and Asia during a successful 30 -year career in media, including as President for both DirecTV Latin America and STAR TV, and leading companies to remarkable growth on the global stage through a strong understanding of local consumer preferences
  • Deep understanding of corporate finance and accounting from his experience as the Chief Financial Officer of DirecTV and President of STAR TV and his time on the audit committee of Millicom International Cellular
  • Valuable public company board experience at Millicom International Cellular, PanAmSat (including through its take-private transaction), and DXC Technology Company, which equips him with unique perspectives on how to harness technological innovation and drive sustainable expansion in furtherance of long-term value creation

 

Career Highlights

  • President of DirecTV Latin America (2004 – 2015)
  • Chief Financial Officer of DirecTV (2004 – 2005)
  • President and Chief Operating Officer for STAR TV (1996 – 2003)
  • Earlier senior roles at Paramount Pictures and Fox Television

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Millicom International Cellular SA (2021 – Present)
  • DXC Technology Co. (2014 – 2017)
  • PanAmSat Co. (2004 (taken private in 2004)
Mukul V. Deoras

Director since: 2018

Age: 60

Board Committees

  • Audit
  • Corporate Governance

Key Skills

  • Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
  • International
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Marketing/Media
  • Senior Executive & Operational Experience

Mukul V. Deoras

Independent Director

Relevant Expertise

  • Expert in global brand growth and portfolio management from serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for Colgate-Palmolive and leading its marketing function at global scale with a significant advertising budget. Mukul has a deep understanding of strategic brand portfolio management and has helped successfully grow and expand Colgate’s consumer product division by stepping up product innovation as well as investment in consistent brand advertising and strengthening go-to-market strategies
  • Strong international operational experience with a distinguished track record, including as the current President of Colgate’s Asia Pacific Division and chairman of Colgate India. Mukul also has a history of operating businesses with P&L responsibility in multiple emerging economy countries and has led acquisitions of brands and businesses to expand presence in geographies including Myanmar. He has also demonstrated his ability to build digital strategies that drive digital transformation in multiple geographies, including growing business in key markets for driving growth such as India and China
  • Influential leader who as chairman of Colgate India has steered a large organization towards significant growth with an emphasis on innovation and optimism. Repeatedly promoted into increasingly senior roles at Unilever and now Colgate, Mukul is valued for the clarity of his market-level and community-level insights as well as his commitment to integrity

 

Career Highlights

  • President, Asia Pacific Division of Colgate-Palmolive Company (2018 – Present) and Chairman of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd. (2018 – Present)
  • Chief Marketing Officer of Colgate-Palmolive Company (2015 – 2018)
  • President, Asia Division of Colgate-Palmolive (2012 – 2015)
  • Managing Director for Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd. (2010 – 2012)
  • Various roles of increasing seniority at Colgate Palmolive (2004 – 2010)
  • Sales and marketing roles of increasing responsibility at Unilever (1984-2004)

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd. (including chair) (2018 – Present)

 

Other

  • Mukul also serves as a Governor on The American Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) Board of Governors and a member of the Advisory Board for The Center for Emerging Markets at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business
Ronald L. Nelson

Director since: 2019

Age: 71

Board Committees

  • Corporate Governance
  • Audit

Key Skills

  • Franchising
  • Hospitality/Travel
  • Marketing/Media
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Organizational Culture and Compensation
  • Senior Executive and Operational Excellence

Ronald L. Nelson

Independent Director

Relevant Expertise

  • Extensive leadership and financial oversight experience gained from both his service as the chairman of four different public companies and his impressive career as a senior executive, first in film and media as the CFO of Paramount Communications and principal operating executive and a founding member of Dreamworks and then in the business travel industry as CEO and Chairman of Avis Budget Group
  • Proven operator of multi-national brand and franchising companies with decades of experience leading a range of consumer-facing global public companies, including in the global hospitality and hotel franchising industries, where he reduced costs and increased economies of scale while delivering a better experience for customers
  • Significant transactional and brand portfolio management experience including leading the acquisition of Avis Europe plc to re-unite ownership of Avis and Budget and operate the two global brands, overseeing the complex Viacom-CBS merger as a Viacom director and overseeing the expansion of Hanesbrands’ brand portfolio with the Champion and Maidenform acquisitions

 

Career Highlights

  • Executive Chairman of the Board of Avis Budget Group (2015 – 2018), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avis Budget Group (2006 – 2015) and Chief Operating Officer of Avis Budget Group (2010 – 2015)
  • Chief Financial Officer, President and Board Member of Cendant Corporation (2003 – 2006)
  • Co-Chief Operating Officer and founding member of DreamWorks SKG (1994 – 2003)
  • Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Paramount Communications, Inc (1987 – 1994)

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Hanesbrands (2008 – 2023; Lead Director, 2015 – 2019; Chairman, 2019 – 2023)
  • Paramount Global (formerly known as ViacomCBS Inc.) (2019 – 2023)
  • Viacom, Inc. (2016 – 2019)
  • Convergys Corporation (Director, 2008 – 2016; Presiding Lead Independent Director, 2013 – 2016)
  • Charter Communications (1999 – 2003)
  • Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc. (1997 – 2002)
  • Paramount Communications, Inc. (1992-1994)
Pauline D.E. Richards

Director since: 2018

Age: 57

Board Committees

  • Audit (Chair)
  • Corporate Governance

Key Skills

  • Corporate Governance and Responsibility
  • Finance/Accounting
  • International
  • Senior Executive and Operational Experience
  • Organizational Culture and Compensation

Pauline D.E. Richards

Independent Director

Relevant Expertise

  • Extensive global financial oversight experience developed through service on the boards and audit committees of major organizations like Apollo because of her trusted judgment, deep financial acumen, focus on ensuring fiscal responsibility, and capital allocation and M&A oversight
  • Risk management and accounting expertise crucial to Pauline’s role as Chair of our Audit Committee, she draws upon her well-honed risk management expertise to lead the oversight of our financial statements, accounting policies and internal controls as we face an evolving risk and regulatory landscape
  • Dedication to community development reflected in her service on the Social Responsibility Committee at the Christ Presbyterian Church and work as the Director of Development for Saltus Grammar School, a non-profit organization focused on education, and service at other charitable organizations like PRIDE Bermuda and St. George’s Foundation. These roles underscore her dedication to positive community relations

 

Career Highlights

  • Chief Operating Officer of Trebuchet Group Holdings Limited (formerly Armour Group) (2008 – 2023) and director (2008 – Present)
  • Director of Development at the Saltus Grammar School (the largest private school in Bermuda) (2003 – 2008)
  • Chief Financial Officer of Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch (Bermuda) Limited in Bermuda (2001 – 2003)
  • Treasurer of Gulfstream Financial Limited (1999 – 2000)

 

Other Public Company Board Experience

  • Apollo Global Management, Inc. (2022 – Present) and Apollo Asset Management Inc. (formerly Apollo Global Management, Inc.) (2011 – 2022)
  • Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd. (2013 –2024; Audit Committee Chair, 2020 – 2024) (company went public in Nov. 2023)
  • Wyndham Worldwide (2006 – 2018)
  • Cendant Corporation (2003 – 2006)

 

Other

  • Director of Butterfield Bank Ltd. (2006 – 2013)
  • Former Chair of PRIDE Bermuda
  • Deputy Chair of St. George’s Foundation, a non-profit supporting the UNESCO World Heritage site of the historic Town of St. George’s in Bermuda (2009 – 2011)
  • Recognized by Savoy Magazine 2017 as One of the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors