Noha Abdalla, the CMO at Choice Hotels, is seen as a problem solver with a history of taking on new challenges in her marketing roles. Since joining Choice Hotels in 2022, she has focused on expanding the company’s traditional franchisee-centric approach to improving the guest experience. Abdalla oversees marketing, loyalty, and external communications, including traditional and performance marketing, CRM channels, and brand creative. Despite initially not being drawn to marketing, Abdalla has excelled in the field, having started her marketing career at the American Red Cross before moving to roles at Discovery Channel, Capital One, and eventually Hilton, where she led the Social Media Center of Excellence.
During the pandemic, Abdalla spearheaded engaging Hilton customers at a time when travel was restricted, including sharing the DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie recipe, which was initially met with skepticism but ultimately proved successful. The campaign also included revealing the recipe for the Waldorf salad and highlighting the alleged origin of the Piña Colada at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. Abdalla’s experience at Hilton, where many owners are institutional investors, gave her a new perspective on working with franchisees and the impact of supporting their entrepreneurial dreams at Choice Hotels.
Abdalla encourages women starting their careers to have confidence in themselves and be willing to take risks. She notes that women often have an internal voice that questions their qualifications for a job, whereas men may be more inclined to believe in their abilities even if they only have a portion of the required qualifications. Abdalla advises women to embrace their skills and not hesitate to pursue opportunities even if they do not meet every requirement. Her own career trajectory, from a straight-A student to a successful marketing executive, is evidence of the importance of self-belief and taking calculated risks.
At Choice Hotels, Abdalla has implemented marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the guest experience and promoting direct bookings through initiatives like the Stay for Any You TV commercials featuring Comfort and Cambria brands. Her role extends to overseeing loyalty programs and external communications, showcasing her ability to drive integrated marketing campaigns across various channels. Abdalla’s diverse marketing experience across different industries has equipped her with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of hospitality marketing and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Abdalla’s journey from a marketing skeptic to a seasoned CMO illustrates the transformative power of challenging oneself and embracing new opportunities. Her willingness to take on diverse marketing roles and solve complex problems has been instrumental in her career growth and success. As someone who believes in continuously learning and evolving, Abdalla remains at the forefront of marketing innovation, driving impactful campaigns that resonate with guests and drive business growth. With a focus on authenticity, creativity, and customer-centric strategies, she continues to redefine marketing excellence in the hospitality industry and inspire the next generation of female leaders to break barriers and succeed in their careers.
