January 3, 2012 - Jonathan Tisch, the Chairman of Loews Hotels and Co-Chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation, today announced that Paul W. Whetsell will join Loews Hotels as President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 17. He succeeds Jack Adler, who is retiring from the company.

Whetsell, who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, has more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently he served as a member of the Board of Directors of Virgin Hotels, providing strategic guidance in its operations and property acquisition activities. In 1987 he founded the original CapStar Hotel Company, which became one of the industry’s largest owners with over 110 hotels and $3 billion in assets.

In 1998, CapStar was divided into Meristar Hospitality Corporation and Meristar Hotels and Resorts, which became Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2002. Mr. Whetsell served as Chairman and CEO of Meristar Hospitality Corporation until the company was sold in 2006. He served as Chairman and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts until 2003, remaining Chairman until 2009.

“With Paul’s tenure and experience in the industry, and now in his role as our new President and CEO, we will continue to operate the unique properties in our portfolio, while also looking for additions to the company through acquisition, development and management,” said Tisch.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Jon and the Loews Hotels team. Loews has a long tradition of owning and operating high quality hotels and delivering great guest experiences,” said Whetsell. “Working in partnership with Jon, our objective is to further develop and grow the brand while delivering superior financial operating results.”

About Loews Hotels
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including its newest, the 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel that opened April 1, 2010. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

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