Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) has welcomed Mike “Woody” Woodward to its executive team as the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer. In this strategic role, Woodward will spearhead HVMG’s growth and investment initiatives, overseeing the development of third-party management agreements and property acquisitions. His responsibilities also extend to fostering robust relationships with owners and investors.
Woodward brings a wealth of experience, notably serving as the Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Focus Brands, a global food service brand developer. During his tenure, Woodward led the franchise sales team, achieving remarkable success with nearly 500 agreements added in the record-setting year of 2023.
Before his role at Focus Brands, Woodward spent 16 years at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, where he held the position of Senior Vice President of Franchise Development. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in steering the growth of 20 hotel brands, contributing to Wyndham’s status as the world’s largest franchisor at the time. Woodward’s career also includes sales management roles at Pfizer and Phoenix Life Insurance Company. Over his 20-year professional journey, he has earned multiple accolades, including RVP of the Year, All-Star, and President’s Club awards.
In his new role at HVMG, Woodward is enthusiastic about contributing to the company’s expansion and growth. He expressed his passion for assisting companies in reaching new heights, combining strategic planning with relationship-building—a sentiment aligned with HVMG’s reputation as a premier third-party operator in the hospitality industry.
Woodward’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for HVMG, positioning the company for continued success and advancement in the dynamic hospitality landscape. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, he is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping HVMG’s trajectory, leveraging his expertise and strategic vision to drive the organization’s growth and further strengthen its industry standing.