- Ballotti is undergoing treatment for cancer and is responding well.
- The 65-year-old will continue to lead Wyndham during treatment.
- Hundreds of industry executives offered best wishes.
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS CEO Geoff Ballotti is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of bone cancer, and is responding well. The 65-year-old executive continues to lead Wyndham while receiving treatment.
Wyndham disclosed the CEO’s health update in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It confirmed Ballotti would remain in his position.
“We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talent, and we are confident in the team’s ability to continue driving sustained, long-term value creation for franchisees, guests and shareholders,” the company said in a statement.
In his letter to employees, Ballotti said he has a “highly treatable” type of cancer and intends to remain engaged in day-to-day operations. He did say he will “pull back on travel.”
“After experiencing ongoing chest and back pain over the past two months from what I thought was an exercise injury, ongoing tests revealed a more serious diagnosis,” he said. “The good news is that my prognosis is favorable and I feel unbelievably blessed and incredibly lucky that it was caught as early as it was.”
Asian Hospitality Editor Ed Brock recently interviewed Ballotti, who called for unity among associations advocating for the hospitality industry. He also said he sees reasons for optimism despite economic uncertainty.
AAHOA extended support to Ballotti.
“We are grateful for Geoff’s friendship and leadership,” an AAHOA spokesperson said. “Geoff has long been a respected leader and strong partner to the hospitality industry, and the AAHOA family is keeping him, his family, and the Wyndham team in our thoughts. We wish him strength and the very best in the months ahead.”
Memorial Day wishes
In a LinkedIn post on Memorial Day, Ballotti thanked those who had reached out to him since he announced the diagnosis.
“I’m responding well to treatment and inspired every day by the doctors and brave patients, whom I now call friends,” he said. “Keeping my strength up and looking forward to seeing so many of you in the not-too-distant future.”
Hundreds of industry executives have commented on Ballotti’s post, including Rahul Patel, chairman of AAHOA.
“Hey Geoff just wanted to reach out and let you know we are thinking of you,” he wrote. “Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you all the strength in the world as you go through your treatments. You've got this!”
Zack Gharib, president of Red Roof, thanked Ballotti for sharing a “really powerful message.”
“Your perspective, even in the face of something like this, says a lot about who you are,” Gharib said. “You’ve got a lot of people in your corner. I’m definitely one of them—rooting for your continued strength, steady progress and a smooth path forward. Looking forward to seeing you back out there before long. Stay strong my friend.”
Sarbendra Sarkar, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts' founder and managing director, said he was deeply saddened to learn about Ballotti’s health condition and prayed for his speedy recovery.
“Your leadership, vision, and contribution to the global hospitality industry continue to inspire professionals across the world,” he wrote. “At this difficult time, we pray to Almighty God to bless you with strength, courage, and good health. May God grant you a swift and complete recovery and bring you back to wellness very soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
Kevin Carey, president of the AHLA Foundation, said Ballotti was looking strong.
“On brand, as usual,” Carey said.
