The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2011 … Alex Cabañas, president business development and finance for Benchmark Hospitality International, has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders for 2011” by Hispanic Business magazine.  The leading national business publication targets the professional Hispanic community throughout the United States.
 
“It is an unexpected and tremendous honor to be recognized among such an accomplished group of Hispanic business leaders,” said Alex Cabañas, “I am privileged to work with a great team of professionals at Benchmark Hospitality International, so accept this honor in recognition of what we have together accomplished within our growing company.”
 
HispanTelligence, the research arm of Hispanic Business magazine, chose the 2011 Top Influential members, utilizing the following criteria:

1. Hispanics of U.S citizenship that have had recent and national impact and whose achievements inspire other Hispanics to similar endeavors.
2. Candidates were from a variety of fields, including but not limited to: Entertainment, Performing Arts, Media and Journalism, Literature, Sports, Science and Academia, Entrepreneurship, Government and Corporate.
3. Focus on those who have promoted the advancement of Hispanics in the U.S by their leadership, community involvement or professional achievements.

Alex Cabañas joined Benchmark Hospitality in 2006 following a period with The Boston Consulting Group.  As president business development and finance, Mr. Cabañas oversees the company's growth initiatives worldwide, and the development of Benchmark's capital investment opportunities and relationships important to the company's expansion plans. 
 
During his tenure with Benchmark Hospitality International, the company added 13 properties to its management portfolio of 35 properties.  Additionally, Mr. Cabañas led Benchmark’s launch of the hospitality industry’s newest brand, Personal Luxury Resorts & HotelsSM, which includes luxury properties coast to coast and off shore.
 
Mr. Cabañas is a graduate of Harvard Business School, where he earned a Masters in Business Administration degree.  He also holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree from Texas A&M University.
 
Importantly, Alex Cabañas’ father, Burt Cabañas, was named one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders for 2007” by Hispanic Business magazine.  With Alex Cabañas’ appointment to the list in 2011, they became one of the few father & son teams to be honored with inclusion on the magazine’s Top 100 Influentials List.
 
To access the Top 100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders for 2011, visit,

Corporate Influentials:  http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2011/10/18/corporate_influentials.htm
Complete List of Influentials:  http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/magazine/
 
About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM.  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.