News for the Hospitality Executive |
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2011 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has named James Simkins chief operating officer for the company’s newly announced Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM. Burt Cabañas, Benchmark Hospitality’s chairman & CEO, made the announcement. “I am particularly pleased to welcome James
to our company
and to the leadership position for our new Personal Luxury Resorts
& Hotels,”
said Mr. Cabañas. “He brings
exceptional
experience with luxury hospitality and the delivery of exemplary
service to his
new role, and we look forward to his contributions to the growth of our
new collection.” James Simkins was most recently senior
partner and CEO of
MTM Luxury Lodging, a company which Benchmark Hospitality International
recently
purchased. In his prior role, Mr.
Simkins was intimately involved in the development and design of highly
specialized,
extraordinary small luxury hotels, including Willows Lodge, Hotel 1000,
Sorrento
Hotel and Bardessono, now part of Benchmark Hospitality’s Personal
Luxury Resorts
& HotelsSM. He has previously served in senior-level
executive positions for Westin Hotels & Resorts in the United
States, South
Africa, Asia and Australia. Mr. Simkins is a graduate of the University
of South Africa,
where he earned a degree in business, and attended the University of
Witwatersrand,
also in South Africa, where he studied Civil Engineering.
Additionally, Mr. Simkins earned a Diploma
from the AH&LA Institute, for which he has also lectured in
Engineering for
Hospitality Management. Simkins has been
acknowledged by Leaders Magazine as
one of the world's top hotel managers. He
resides in Seattle with his family. Benchmark Hospitality’s Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM represents a hand-picked group of luxury properties, each in coveted locations and infused with its own spirited personality and style. This collection of distinctive hotels and resorts is the preferred choice of guests who yearn for transformation over accommodation, customization over conformity, and inspiration over predictability. Our focus is on building personal relationships with a genuine understanding of what that personal touch should be for each and every guest, turning an ordinary hotel stay into an experience that elevates the spirit and delivers the unexpected. Luxury is personal. About Benchmark Hospitality International Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM. The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. The company's eastern regional office is in New Jersey, western regional office is in Washington, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com. |
Contact:
For Benchmark Hospitality International Ken Ellens Ken Ellens Communications 201-758-2864 [email protected] |