TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Marriott Hotels of Canada Ltd. announced today that Ryan McRae will join the company as Vice President, Hotel Development on September 15, 2014.  McRae will be based in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be responsible for the growth of Marriott's full service, select service, and extended stay hotel brands in Western Canada.

McRae joins Marriott with more than 16 years of commercial real estate experience, including 8 years focusing on hospitality acquisitions and development.  Most recently, McRae was Vice President, Acquisitions and Development for SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, where he was responsible for Canada-wide hotel development and acquisition activities.  He also served as chairman of the company's investment committee.  Prior to his role with SilverBirch, McRae was a Development Director with Hilton Worldwide, focused on corporate growth in a variety of global markets, including, at various times, Western Canada, the United States Pacific Northwest, Europe, Russia, and parts of Africa.

"Given Ryan's extensive background in hotel development and his familiarity with Marriott's portfolio of brands, we believe that he is the ideal person to lead our efforts to increase distribution for Marriott in the growing markets of Western Canada," said Michael Beckley, Senior Vice President, Development for Marriott Hotels of Canada.  "We are thrilled to have Ryan joining our team."

McRae holds a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of British Columbia.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) began operations in Canada in 1986 with the opening of the Toronto Airport Marriott.  Today, the company's presence in Canada has grown to more than 80 properties  spanning 10 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts in the Luxury category; Marriott Hotels, the company's signature brand; Autograph Collection Hotels and Renaissance Hotels in the Lifestyle category; Courtyard by Marriott, Springhill Suites by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in the Modern Essentials category; and Residence Inn by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in the Extended Stay category.  Marriott International's development pipeline for Canada totals nearly 40 hotels, including more than a dozen properties opening in 2014. In 2013, Marriott Hotels of Canada was ranked fourth among the top 50 best places to work in Canada by AON Hewitt.  Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) for company information, and for reservations, please go to www.marriott.com.  Visit www.marriottnewscenter.com for the latest company news.

SOURCE Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada