CHICAGO, IL - November 28, 2006 -- Thomas Pritzker, Chairman of Global Hyatt Corporation, announced today that Mark S. Hoplamazian has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Hoplamazian has served as Interim President of Global Hyatt since July 1, 2006. 

Prior to being appointed Interim President, Hoplamazian served as President of The Pritzker Organization, LLC where he managed the company's merchant banking and investment activities. He worked for the Chicago-based organization, which serves as the principal financial and investment advisor to various Pritzker family-owned companies, including Global Hyatt Corporation, in various capacities since 1989 working closely with Thomas Pritzker during his tenure there. 

"Mark has been involved as an advisor in Global Hyatt's business activities for many years," Pritzker said. "Having worked with Mark over the past 17 years, I have great confidence in his skills and believe he will bring a fresh perspective to Hyatt. Our Board met last week and enthusiastically endorsed Mark's appointment." 

"I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the business for several months before assuming the CEO position," Hoplamazian said. "What I have seen is a solid company with passionate employees that is well poised for growth. I look forward to working with all of the associates of Global Hyatt as well as the Board of Directors in fulfilling the company's great potential through excellent service to our customers and our property owners." 

Hoplamazian, 43, has participated on behalf of Pritzker family business interests in the formation of several companies and has served on the board of directors of several privately held companies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Latin School of Chicago and on the Advisory Board of Facing History and Ourselves. Hoplamazian is a member of the Discovery Class of the Henry Crown Fellowship at the Aspen Institute. He graduated from Harvard College and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He resides in Chicago with his wife and three children. 

About Global Hyatt Corporation 
There are 217 Hyatt branded hotels and resorts (over 90,000 rooms) in 43 countries around the world, operating under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Grand Hyatt® and Park Hyatt® brands. Currently, there are an additional 47 Hyatt hotels and resorts under development, including 15 new hotels in China. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of the 12 Hyatt Vacation Club timeshare and fractional residential properties, Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (hotel ownership), Select Hotels Group L.L.C. (which owns, manages and franchises 163 AmeriSuites hotels, Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites hotels) and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (which franchises 95 Hawthorn Suites, and 265 Microtel Inns and Suites).