The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 8, 2009 � Benchmark Hospitality International has named Greg Champion chief operating officer for the leading hospitality management company.  The appointment was announced by Burt Cabañas, chairman and chief executive officer.  Mr. Champion joins Benchmark with a rich background in hospitality operations for a variety of hotels and resorts, both company-owned and those managed for other ownership groups. 

"After an extensive search, I am delighted to announce this important appointment for our company," said Burt Cabañas.  "As Benchmark approaches its 30-year milestone as an industry leader, it is clear that Greg's extensive operational experience with independently owned properties and unparalleled leadership skills make him the perfect choice to lead the Benchmark team through what is a vastly changing era in the hotel industry."  Mr. Cabañas continued, "With Greg's dynamic vision, coupled with his proven track record of exceeding ownership expectations and unwavering commitment to superior levels of guest service, we believe Benchmark is firmly positioned for great success in the future." 

�For many years I have admired and respected the Benchmark organization and its reputation for performance and industry leadership,� stated Mr. Champion.  �It is a great honor to now be part of the Benchmark family and to help take the company into its fourth decade of success and prosperity.�

A seasoned hotelier with over 15 years of senior-level industry experience, Greg Champion previously held the position of president for Noble House Hotels & Resorts of Kirkland, Washington.  In this role, Mr. Champion oversaw the direct management of each of the 14 properties within the company�s portfolio, including marketing, sales, revenue management, food and beverage, human resources, retail and spa services.  During his tenure at Noble House, Mr. Champion also served as executive vice president overseeing seven properties in locations across the United States, and held the positions of managing director for The Adolphus in Dallas and general manager of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort of Naples, Florida.

Mr. Champion has also served as president and chief operating officer for Tiburon Hospitality Management of Carefree, Arizona.  He launched his hospitality career with ITT Sheraton through their General Management training program and served in multiple management positions at Sheraton properties in Long Beach and Los Angeles, ending as general manager of the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Anchorage, Alaska.

A native of Washington, Greg Champion attended Washington State University.  He is a member of Skål International, the only international association that brings together all sectors of the professional Travel and Tourism industry, and of the prestigious international gastronomic organization, the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.  Mr. Champion is a previous member of the Board of Directors for the Dallas and Alaska Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and is active in tourism, culinary and hospitality associations.  He and his family are relocating to The Woodlands.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels�.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark�s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com. 

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications 
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
[email protected]