Already a seasoned veteran of hotel sales and marketing, Mr. Jones will be responsible for increasing sales to Le Méridien�s hotels world wide from customers in the Americas. 

"I am excited to join Le Méridien at such an important time for our company and our guests," said Mr. Jones. "Under the outstanding leadership of our CEO Juergen Bartels, I am looking forward to taking the sales and marketing organization to a higher level of success.  We have a wonderful collection of hotels, and we will be extremely focused on matching the various needs of our customers, in the Americas, with the perfect Le Méridien Hotel and Resort around the world." 

Prior to joining Le Méridien, Mr. Jones was Vice President of National Sales Offices at Loews Hotels in New York City.  Before that Jones was Director of Business Development for McGettigan Partners in Philadelphia, and an accomplished sales executive with Hilton Hotels.  He earned several national sales awards during his 14-year tenure at Hilton, and moved quickly through the ranks, including as Managing Director of Sales for Hilton Sales Worldwide; Director of Sales, National Accounts; Director of Sales for the Capital Hilton; and Sales Manager for the New York Hilton.

"We couldn't imagine a more competent and knowledgeable sales professional for Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts than Brian Jones," said Karyn Marasco.  "His considerable experience in the competitive world of hotel sales will be certain to have a significant positive impact as we continue to grow around the world."

Jones is a member of Meeting Professionals International, and is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).  He holds a Bachelors degree from St. John's University and an MBA from Fordham University.

Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of 145 luxury and upscale hotels (41,630 rooms) in 55 countries worldwide.  The majority of its properties are located in the world's top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.  The company also enjoys a strategic alliance with JAL-owned Nikko Hotels, providing loyal guests access to an additional 42 properties around the world.  Headquartered in London, the group was purchased by Nomura plc's Principal Finance Group in July 2001 and merged with Principal Hotels, acquired by Nomura in February 2001.