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The executive team of the world’s largest hotel franchising firm just added 45 years of combined company experience with the promotion of two leaders. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Parsippany, announced Oct. 13 that it elevated Shilpan Patel to executive vice president, North America Franchise Operations, and Gustavo Viescas to president, LATAMC. Both join the company’s executive committee, effective immediately. 

Wyndham President and CEO Geoff Ballotti said in a statement that the moves align with the company’s “core tenet” of promoting from within. 

“Both Shilpan in North America and Gustavo in Latin America, are focused on delivering for our owners – existing and new – and I’m confident the relationships they’ve built over the years will continue to flourish as they take on these expanded roles,” Ballotti added. 

A nearly 20-year member of Wyndham’s team, Patel now oversees franchise operations, brand operations, franchise services and managed operations across the North American teams. He was most recently responsible for leading Wyndham’s contract administration and relicensing efforts while driving economy retention rates across its brands.  

Patel, a Penn State University graduate and Certified Public Account, began his career as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche. 

Gustavo, who is based in Buenos Aires, will oversee day-to-day management of Wyndham’s Latin America region, which includes approximately 250 hotels in nearly 30 countries.  

A 25-year Wyndham employee, Gustavo was instrumental in launching two new brands, Alltra and Registry Collection, and creating partnerships with companies such as Playa Hotels & Resorts and Palladium Hotel Group.  

Gustavo, who has led Wyndham’s finance, administration, reporting, planning and operations for Wyndham and its RCI brand, graduated from the University of Buenos Aires and earned a master’s degree in finance from UADE, Buenos Aires. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts boasts 9,000 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Its portfolio of 23 hotel brands includes Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham.