Phil Hugh

Phil Hugh serves as Chief Development Officer for Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, where he leads the company’s strategic growth initiatives across its diverse portfolio of brands. In this role, he is responsible for expanding Sonesta’s footprint, fostering relationships with owners, developers, and management companies, and driving the company’s long-term development vision.

A seasoned hospitality executive with more than 25 years of experience, Hugh is recognized for his expertise in franchise sales, development strategy, and organizational leadership. Before joining Sonesta, he founded Hugh Hotel Group (HHG) in 2022, an organization dedicated to maximizing profitability and value for hotel owners through strong partnerships and operational insight.

Previously, Hugh served as Chief Development Officer, Americas, for Radisson Hotel Group, where he led development and growth strategies for brands including Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. He played a key role in driving portfolio expansion, managing strategic investments, and leading merger and acquisition activity that culminated in the successful sale of the Americas division to Choice Hotels International.

Earlier in his career, Hugh held leadership roles at Red Roof Franchising, where he established the franchise division and transformed the company into an asset-light, franchisee-focused organization. He also served as Executive Vice President of Worldwide Development & Sales at Realogy, President and CEO at DOC Corp, and Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales at Cendant.

Throughout his career, Hugh has been recognized for his ability to build high-performing teams, strengthen brand portfolios, and cultivate meaningful partnerships that fuel sustainable growth within the hospitality and real estate industries.