Mark Straszynski

About Mark Straszynski

Mark Straszynski serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. In this role, Straszynski sets strategic financial direction for the iconic brand, overseeing global finance, accounting, strategic development, treasury, risk management, restructuring and organizational change. He also sits on the brand\'s senior executive team, which shapes and executes Best Western\'s long-term strategies. Straszynski started his career in public accounting and consulting, serving senior audit positions for Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton. The Chicago native earned a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University. Straszynski is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society.

Experience

1. Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

   Best Western Hotels & Resorts

   Jun 2008 — Present

   Senior financial executive reporting to CEO. Serves as strategic partner and advisor to CEO, senior executives, business units, and Board of Directors. Sets strategic financial direction for the iconic brand, overseeing global strategic planning, finance, accounting, treasury, investments, risk management, taxes, reporting and analysis, internal audit, and buildings administration and security. Sits on brand’s senior executive team, which shapes and executes Best Western’s long-term strategies. Proven executive management track record of driving strategies, financial reengineering, profitable revenue growth and solutions to enhance company value with more than 25 years’ experience in financial management.

Education

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  MBA

  2002 — 2003

• Northern Illinois University

  Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

• State of Illinois

  Certified Public Accountant