Horwath HTL, the independent advisory brand focused solely on hospitality, tourism and leisure development, has revealed that Dorothy Dowling and Melissa Maher have joined the group as managing directors to support hospitality industry clients with go-to-market strategies to help grow scale, revenue and profitability with services ranging from repositioning to commercial business planning and activation.
John Fareed, global chairman, Horwath HTL, said of Dowling, “Dorothy is an industry icon and brings the wealth of her knowledge and experience to our team. Given her background and vast experience, [she] will be a senior advisor at Horwath HTL who will bring her owner focus to enhance our ability to provide clients worldwide with superb expertise.”
With more than 40 years of industry experience, Dowling started her career in hospitality as a senior consultant with Laventhol and Horwath in Toronto. She spent the last 18 years as chief marketing officer of Best Western, where she directed all marketing and commercial strategies, overseeing the brand’s loyalty program, digital transformation, advertising, public relations, e-commerce and consumer and distribution partnerships, and hotelier support marketing including regional coop marketing. In her commercial role, she oversaw the global sales organization and supported strategic partnerships with global intermediaries, corporate customers and digital partners.
She has also held senior leadership positions with major hospitality industry companies, including Wyndham (formerly Cendant), Forte Hotels, Travelodge Canada, Royal Host REIT and Aramark. Dowling serves as a board member and advisor for several organizations, including DEI Advisors, HSMAI, Stay Boutique, Commit Advertising Agency and WINiT by GBTA, as well as a member of the board of trustees for CubeSmart, a REIT and the third largest owner/operator of self-storage properties across the U.S.
“Being part of this global firm will allow me to enhance their offering, helping companies apply strategies and expert industry knowledge from business exploration to activation,” said Dowling, who will be opening a new office for Horwath HTL in Scottsdale.
Maher started her career in the hospitality business as a sales manager for the Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas. She most recently spent the last 21 years with Expedia Group in various positions, including chief marketing officer & SVP, marketing and industry engagement; SVP, marketing & innovation; chief inclusion officer; and SVP, Global Partner Group. In her time with Expedia, she formed strategic relationships with brand partners; founded the ownership council for hotel owners; and created B2B marketing programs to assist owners in growing their businesses in a more scalable way through innovative technology and special initiatives, including promotions, data and insights.
“Melissa will bring her unique understanding of the technology and data sources our industry uses daily to our team,” said Fareed. “Her ability to look at all the data and sort through what is truly needed and the best way to interpret the data to enhance overall operations and push profitability will help our clients achieve best in class for their properties and portfolio.”
“Having the ability to work with a global firm to bring commercial development and strategy to hospitality companies will allow me to utilize my experience and expertise to ensure hoteliers optimize their business offerings,” said Maher, who will work out of Horwath HTL’s California office.