Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, privately-owned third-party hotel operator and investor, has appointed Mike (Woody) Woodward as EVP/chief growth officer. In his new role as a member of HVMG’s executive team, he will lead the organization’s growth and investment team and be responsible for strategies that lead to both third-party management agreements and property acquisitions. In addition, he will focus on owner and investor relationships.
“From the restaurant industry to hotels, Woody has been a rising star and thus far has had a phenomenal hospitality career, implementing highly successful sales and growth strategies across multiple brands and companies,” said Robert Cole, CEO, HVMG. “With an extensive track record of success sourcing new opportunities, building teams and cultivating new and maximizing existing relationships, his ingenuity and tenacity have led to almost unprecedented growth with the two hospitality companies he had been with over the past 18 years. Woody’s expertise, enthusiasm, authenticity and competitive nature are just a few of his key attributes that we thought would be ideal and a great fit as we ambitiously pursue our growth objectives in the coming years.”
Prior to joining HVMG, Woodward was SVP, franchise development for Focus Brands, a developer of global food service brands such as Schlotzsky’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli and Auntie Anne’s. While there, he led the top-level franchise sales team, which consisted of 20 team members.
Previously, he was SVP, franchise development for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, where he was promoted several times during his 16-year tenure and was ultimately responsible for the growth of 20 hotel brands. He led all aspects of the 22-person franchise sales and development functions, including the independent brand franchises, sales and real estate teams.
Woodward also has held sales management positions with Pfizer and Phoenix Life Insurance Company.
“Helping companies expand and grow to the next level is a passion of mine, as it combines the best elements of strategic planning and relationship building,” Woodward said. “HVMG has a stellar reputation as one of the leading third-party operators in the hospitality industry, and I look forward to growing with the company.”
