The chief financial officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is stepping down.
Michele Allen, who served in the role since December 2019, has decided to step down "to pursue a new career opportunity outside of the hotel industry," according to a news release from Wyndham. The brand company has appointed Kurt Albert, treasurer and head of financial partnerships and planning, as its interim CFO, effective immediately.
“Michele has been an invaluable member of the Wyndham team for over 25 years,” Wyndham President and CEO Geoff Ballotti said in the release. “Her exceptional financial acumen and strategic vision have helped steer Wyndham through many pivotal moments. The contributions she’s made over the years are countless — from advancing key business priorities to nurturing a world-class finance team.
"On behalf of the board and all of Wyndham’s team members, we thank Michele for her dedication and leadership. We wish her every success as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career.”
Wyndham will conduct a comprehensive search for a permanent CFO, the news release said. Allen will stay with the company in an advisory role through the end of 2025.
Allen officially joined Wyndham in 2006 and has been with the company ever since. Before joining Wyndham, she held a finance role at real estate and travel industries company Cendant Corporation, which owned Wyndham. She previously held roles such as senior vice president of finance, global senior vice president of finance, and executive vice president and treasurer.
“It’s been a tremendous privilege to build my career at Wyndham, working alongside so many talented team members, leaders and the incredible community of franchisees who bring our brands to life every day,” Allen said in the release. “Together, we’ve shaped a company that has thrived through tremendous change, and I’m deeply proud of all we’ve accomplished. As I look ahead to a new challenge, I’ll always be grateful for the relationships that have made this journey so meaningful.”