H World Group Limited Announces Change of Board Composition

Core Viewpoint - H World Group Limited has announced significant changes to its board of directors, appointing new members with extensive experience in finance and investment management, which is expected to enhance the company's long-term growth prospects [1][4]. Group 1: Board Appointments - Mr. Justin Martin Leverenz has been appointed as a director of the Board, bringing over 18 years of experience in investment management, including his role as Chief Investment Officer at Invesco Developing Markets Fund [2]. - Ms. Yi Zhang has been appointed as an independent director and chairwoman of the audit committee, with a strong background as Chief Financial Officer at SINA Corporation and experience in auditing for Chinese companies listed in the U.S. [3]. - Ms. Lei Cao has been appointed as a member of the compensation committee, while Ms. Tong Tong Zhao and Mr. Jian Shang will step down from their roles on the Board [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - H World Group Limited operates 11,685 hotels with a total of 1,142,158 hotel rooms across 19 countries as of March 31, 2025 [5]. - The company’s hotel brands include HanTing Hotel, JI Hotel, and Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, among others, and it holds master franchise rights for several international hotel brands in the pan-China region [5]. - H World employs a mixed business model, with 8% of its hotel rooms operated under lease and ownership, and 92% under manachise and franchise models as of March 31, 2025 [6][7].