As Senior Vice President and CFO, Mr. Szymanski will be responsible for all financial operations, including treasury services, taxation, risk management, accounting, MIS, internal auditing and budget and analysis.

Mr. Szymanski first joined Prime seventeen years ago.  Before being named CFO, he served Vice President of Finance, overseeing corporate accounting, SEC reporting, payroll, budgeting and planning, and asset divestitures. 

"I am very pleased to announce Rich�s promotion to Senior Vice President and CFO.  Over the years, Rich has demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry and clear strategic vision," said A.F. Petrocelli, Prime�s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "I am confident that Rich will be a driving force in the continuing evolution and success of Prime." 

"Having been a part of Prime for seventeen years, I am very proud of the Company's achievements and leadership position in the lodging industry," commented Mr. Szymanski.  "I look forward to building on my experience here and making new contributions through my role as Senior Vice President and CFO." 

Mr. Szymanski holds a B.S. in Accounting from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1981.

Prime Hospitality Corp., one of the nation�s premiere lodging companies, owns, manages, develops and franchises more than 240 hotels throughout North America.  The Company owns and operates three proprietary brands, Prime Hotels & Resorts(SM) (full-service), AmeriSuites® (all-suites), and Wellesley Inns & Suites® (limited service).  Also within Prime�s portfolio are owned and/or managed hotels operated under franchise agreements with national hotel chains including Hilton, Radisson, Sheraton and Holiday Inn.