Wyndham Hotels (NYSE: WH) appoints new CFO and confirms 2026 outlook
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts appointed Amit Sripathi as Chief Financial Officer effective March 3, 2026, replacing interim CFO Kurt Albert, who will move into a nine‑month advisory role before departing. Sripathi previously served as Chief Development Officer – North America and has extensive finance and capital markets experience across the lodging industry.
His employment letter provides a $650,000 base salary, a target annual incentive equal to 100% of base salary, eligibility for long‑term equity incentives, standard executive benefits and relocation assistance. If terminated without cause, he is entitled to cash severance equal to 200% of base salary plus a bonus-based component, COBRA reimbursements for up to 18 months and accelerated or pro‑rated vesting of certain equity awards, subject to a release of claims. The company also agreed to pay Albert $450,000 in advisory fees over the transition period and noted in its press release that it is reaffirming its full‑year 2026 outlook.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 25, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
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executive offices)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (973 ) 753-6000
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following
provisions:
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Trading Symbol(s)
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule
12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
| Item 5.02. |
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
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On March 3, 2026, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) announced the appointment of Amit Sripathi, age 41, as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of
March 3, 2026 (the “Effective Date”). As of the Effective Date, Kurt Albert will cease to serve as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sripathi served as the Company’s Chief Development Officer – North America since May 2024. From September 2021
to May 2024, Mr. Sripathi served as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Development. Prior to that, Mr. Sripathi served as Vice President – Financial and Capital Markets for RLJ Lodging Trust from January 2018 to September 2021. From
2009 to 2017, Mr. Sripathi served in roles of increasing responsibility in the Global Investment Banking business of Deutsche Bank.
In connection with Mr. Sripathi’s appointment, the Company and Mr. Sripathi entered into an employment letter effective as of March 3, 2026. Mr. Sripathi’s employment
letter provides for a base salary of $650,000; an annual incentive award with a target amount equal to 100% of his base salary (subject to certain terms and conditions, including the terms and conditions of the Company’s annual incentive plan and
the Company’s attainment of performance goals, criteria or targets established by the Company’s Compensation Committee (the “Committee”)); grants of long-term incentive awards on terms as determined by the Committee and subject to the Company’s
Amended and Restated 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan (and any amended or successor plan thereto) and the applicable award agreement; employee benefits generally offered to eligible full-time employees; and perquisites generally offered to similarly
situated senior executive officers. The employment letter also entitles Mr. Sripathi to relocation services to assist in relocating his primary residence closer to the Company’s headquarters.
Mr. Sripathi’s employment letter provides that if his employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” (a “qualifying termination”), he will be entitled to a
lump-sum payment equal to 200% of the sum of (i) his then-current base salary, plus (ii) an amount equal to the highest annual incentive compensation award paid to Mr. Sripathi with respect to the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal
year in which his employment is terminated (but in no event will the amount in clause (ii) exceed Mr. Sripathi’s then-target annual compensation incentive award, and if Mr. Sripathi is terminated before completion of the first three fiscal years
following the effective date of the employment letter, the amount shall be Mr. Sripathi’s then-target incentive compensation award); and if he elects to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act (“COBRA”), the Company will reimburse him for the costs associated with such continued COBRA health coverage for up to 18 months, terminable earlier if he becomes eligible for health and medical benefits from a subsequent employer. In
addition, in the event of a qualifying termination, all of Mr. Sripathi’s then-outstanding (x) time-based long term incentive awards that otherwise would have vested within the one year following such termination will vest, and any such award that
is a stock option or stock appreciation right will remain exercisable until the earlier of two years following such termination and the original expiration date of such award, and (y) performance-based long term incentive awards (including
restricted stock units but excluding stock options and stock appreciation rights) will vest and be paid on a pro-rata basis, subject to the achievement of the applicable performance goals, based upon the portion of the full performance period
during which Mr. Sripathi was employed by the Company plus 12 months (or, if less, assuming employment for the entire performance period remaining after Mr. Sripathi’s termination), with the payment of any such vested performance-based long-term
incentive awards to occur at the time that the awards are paid to employees generally. Mr. Sripathi’s entitlement to the foregoing severance payments and benefits is subject to his timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims
in favor of the Company.
There are no transactions between Mr. Sripathi and the Company that would be reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K and there is no arrangement or
understanding with any person pursuant to which Mr. Sripathi was selected as an executive officer.
Mr. Albert will depart from the Company, effective as of March 4, 2026, and move into an advisory role for a period of nine months to support a smooth transition. In
connection with Mr. Albert’s departure from the Company, the Company expects to enter into a Separation, Release and Advisory Services Agreement with Mr. Albert. In exchange for Mr. Albert’s execution and non-revocation of such agreement,
performance of advisory services and other obligations thereunder, and a release and non-revocation of claims, the Company will provide (i) separation consideration consistent with the terms of Mr. Albert’s employment letter dated November 4, 2025
and (ii) advisory fees in an aggregate amount of $450,000 during a 9-month transition period.
| Item 7.01. |
Regulation FD.
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On March 3, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Sripathi as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The press release is attached
hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information included in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 included with this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of or otherwise
subject to the liabilities under Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Unless expressly incorporated into a filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act made
after the date hereof, the information contained in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 hereto shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation
language in such filing.
| Item 9.01. |
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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(d) Exhibits.
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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Exhibit 99.1
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Press Release of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., dated March 3, 2026
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Exhibit 104
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Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL
document.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
duly authorized.
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WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
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Date: March 3, 2026
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By:
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/s/ Paul F. Cash
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Paul F. Cash
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General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
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Exhibit 99.1
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Appoints Amit Sripathi
Chief Financial Officer
David Wilner Assumes Chief Development Officer Role
Company Reaffirms Full-Year 2026 Outlook
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (March 3, 2026) – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: WH) today announced that following a
comprehensive search process, Amit Sripathi has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Sripathi, who most recently served as the Company’s Chief Development Officer – North America, succeeds Kurt Albert who has
served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since November. Additionally, the Company has named David Wilner, a 30-year franchise sales veteran, as Chief Development Officer – North America. Both will report to Geoff Ballotti, President and Chief
Executive Officer.
Together these appointments reinforce Wyndham’s continued focus on driving FeePAR accretive net room growth and creating compounding value for franchisees, guests and
shareholders.
“Amit’s combination of deep finance and capital markets expertise coupled with firsthand operational leadership at Wyndham make him the ideal
candidate to lead our finance organization. Amit is uniquely qualified to deliver on our shareholder expectations and has proven himself a champion of owners, as evidenced by Wyndham’s record openings, executions and development pipelines both
here in the U.S. and internationally. We are confident in his ability to build on our sustained successes and capture opportunities that will drive increased profitability for our franchisees, while returning excess capital to shareholders in a
consistent and sustainable manner.”
- Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Mr. Sripathi joined Wyndham in 2021 and has served in a variety of leadership roles at the Company, most recently as Chief Development Officer – North America. He
possesses significant operational and finance experience across the lodging industry, including driving the Company’s growth and capital allocation strategy. During his tenure, Mr. Sripathi helped Wyndham achieve 20 consecutive quarters of
organic net room growth and oversaw the divestiture of the Company’s owned hotels. Prior to Wyndham, Mr. Sripathi was with RLJ Lodging Trust, responsible for Capital Markets and Corporate Finance and served in roles of increasing responsibility
in the Real Estate, Lodging and Gaming investment banking group at Deutsche Bank.
“Wyndham is a truly unique company with an asset-light franchise business model that consistently delivers for its owners and shareholders. Our priority is to
maintain our rigorous financial discipline and capital allocation strategy to ensure we achieve our long-term growth objectives and maximize shareholder returns. I very much look forward to partnering with the entire leadership team to drive
enhanced value creation and build on the “Count on Me” culture that defines our Company.”
- Amit Sripathi, Chief Financial Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
In his new role, Mr. Wilner will lead the Company’s North American franchise sales and architecture design & construction teams. During his nearly eight years at
the Company, he has helped franchisees tap into the power of the Wyndham Advantage and the Company’s iconic brands. Under his leadership Wyndham created and launched ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham, the fastest growing extended stay brand in
the industry. Prior to joining Wyndham, Mr. Wilner spent 20 years as part of the franchise sales leadership team for La Quinta.
“From leading development at La Quinta prior to Wyndham’s acquisition of the brand to driving growth across our new construction prototype brands
including La Quinta, WaterWalk, Hawthorn Suites, ECHO Suites and Microtel, David has tremendous expertise translating owners’ needs into strategic growth. Owners and team members view him as a sincere and trusted partner who is most focused on
our owner’s success, while helping our teams accelerate domestic net room growth across all of Wyndham’s brands.”
- Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
In conjunction with this announcement, Wyndham has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook provided in its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings materials, released on February
18, 2026.
Photos associated with the above release are available for download here.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of
franchised properties, with over 8,300 hotels across approximately 100 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 869,000 franchised and affiliated rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading
presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®,
Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, ECHO Suites®, Registry Collection Hotels®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards®
loyalty program offers over 122 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements related to Wyndham’s current views and
expectations with respect to its future performance, growth and shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, including those that convey management’s expectations as to the future based
on plans, estimates and projections at the time Wyndham makes the statements and may be identified by words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “intend,” “goal,” “future,” “forward,” “remain,” “confident,”
“outlook,” “guidance,” “target,” “objective,” “estimate,” “projection” and similar words or expressions, including the negative version of such words and expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Wyndham to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, general economic conditions,
including inflation, higher interest rates and potential recessionary pressures, which may impact decisions by consumers and businesses to use travel accommodations; global trade disputes, including with China; the performance of the financial and
credit markets; the economic environment for the hospitality industry; operating risks associated with the hotel franchising business; Wyndham’s relationships with franchisees; the ability of franchisees to pay back loans owed to Wyndham; the
impact of prior or any future impairment charges related to the credit Wyndham extends to its franchisees; the impact of war, terrorist activity, political instability or political strife; global or regional health crises or pandemics including the
resulting impact on Wyndham’s business, operations, financial results, cash flows and liquidity, as well as the impact on its franchisees, guests and team members, the hospitality industry and overall demand for and restrictions on travel;
Wyndham’s ability to satisfy obligations and agreements under its outstanding indebtedness, including the payment of principal and interest and compliance with the covenants thereunder; risks related to Wyndham’s ability to obtain financing and the
terms of such financing, including access to liquidity and capital; and Wyndham’s ability to make or pay, plans for and the timing and amount of any future share repurchases and/or dividends, as well as the risks described in Wyndham’s most recent
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones Wyndham may face and additional risks may
arise or become material in the future. Wyndham undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Contacts
Investors:
Matt Capuzzi
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
973 753-6453
ir@wyndham.com
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Media:
Maire Griffin
Senior Vice President, Global Communications
973 753-6590
WyndhamHotelsNews@wyndham.com
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FAQ
What executive leadership change did Wyndham Hotels (WH) announce?
Wyndham Hotels appointed Amit Sripathi as Chief Financial Officer, effective March 3, 2026. He succeeds interim CFO Kurt Albert, who shifts into a nine‑month advisory role to support transition before departing, reflecting a planned handoff following a comprehensive search process.
What are the key compensation terms for new Wyndham CFO Amit Sripathi?
Amit Sripathi’s employment letter provides a $650,000 base salary and an annual incentive target equal to 100% of base salary. He is also eligible for long‑term incentive awards, standard executive benefits, relocation assistance and specified severance and equity vesting protections if terminated without cause.
What severance protections does Wyndham’s new CFO receive if terminated without cause?
On a qualifying termination, Sripathi is entitled to a lump-sum cash payment equal to 200% of his base salary plus a bonus-based amount, up to 18 months of COBRA reimbursement, and accelerated or pro‑rated vesting of certain long‑term incentive awards, contingent on signing a release.
How is Wyndham compensating outgoing interim CFO Kurt Albert during the transition?
Kurt Albert will enter a Separation, Release and Advisory Services Agreement under which he receives separation consideration consistent with his November 4, 2025 employment letter, plus advisory fees totaling $450,000 over a nine‑month transition period in exchange for services and a release of claims.
Did Wyndham Hotels (WH) change its financial outlook with this announcement?
No change was disclosed; Wyndham reaffirmed its full‑year 2026 outlook previously provided in its fourth‑quarter 2025 earnings materials. The leadership announcement is presented alongside a confirmation of that existing guidance rather than a revision of expectations.
What additional leadership appointment did Wyndham announce alongside the new CFO?
Wyndham named David Wilner as Chief Development Officer – North America. A 30‑year franchise sales veteran, he will oversee North American franchise sales and related development functions, reporting alongside Amit Sripathi to President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Ballotti.
Filing Exhibits & Attachments
4 documents
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc