BETHESDA, MD. November 16, 2009 �Mark G. Carrier Senior Vice President of the B. F. Saul Company Hotel Division, was announced as Chairman of the IAHI Board of Directors at Intercontinental Hotels Group annual Americas Owners Conference on November 11, 2009.  The event, attended by 2,000 franchisees was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.   Andrew Cosslett, CEO of IHG and Jim Abrahamson, President of the Americas lead the conference with a strong focus on achievement in difficult times.

Commenting on the year ahead, Carrier said, �I will work aggressively in this period of great challenge in our industry to advance the interests of all franchisees of the IHG system. Working together with IHG, the IAHI is strong and will make a positive difference.� 

Carrier�s mission and focus in the coming year is to advance owner returns and is centered in three core areas; Improved Guest Satisfaction and Quality, Greater Market Share Growth and Cost Efficiency and Team Member Development and Satisfaction.  Carrier said, �These are my Big Three.�  He also acknowledged the strong contributions made by the immediate past Chairman, Tom Corcoran. Tom is Chairman of Felcor Lodging Trust and a past Chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Eva Ferguson, President of the IAHI said, �In this demanding economic environment, our association is fortunate to have experienced, forward-thinking members on our Board,� adding, �Mark�s leadership will be invaluable as we work with IHG to progress the coming months.�  Carrier�s commitment to the IAHI extends over 18 years having served on the IAHI Board and various committees during that period.  He has demonstrated a particular interest in E-Commerce and Distribution issues.

The IAHI is the Owners� Association for IHG branded hotels, representing the interests of over 3,000 franchisees, owners and operators throughout the world.  Founded in 1955, the IAHI works collaboratively with IHG to advance the performance of the worldwide system.  The Association acts through a professional staff and a significant committee structure with more than 200 participants that engage directly with IHG executives on the broad range of issues that affect the system and the brands of IHG. The relationship is truly unique in the industry and a particular advantage for IHG franchisees. The IAHI also engages with other hospitality and business associations to advance the interests of the broader hotel community.

As Senior Vice President of the B. F. Saul Company Hotel Division, Carrier oversees the hospitality interests of this privately held real estate concern headquartered in the Washington DC region. His leadership responsibilities include strategic planning, overall operational direction, acquisition and development of properties, long term financial and capital planning along with the development and implementation of corporate policies, procedures and management systems.  Carrier is the immediate past Chairman of Visit Fairfax, the destination marketing organization for Fairfax County, Virginia and has served on the Board of the Loudoun County Convention and Visitors Association.  He also serves as a member of the Fairfax County Economic Development Commission and on the Government Affairs Committee of the AH&LA.  A graduate of Cornell University�s School of Hotel Administration, he makes his home in Reston, Virginia with wife Cheryl and son Matthew.

ABOUT B. F. SAUL COMPANY HOTEL DIVISION
Based in Bethesda, MD, the company represents a collection of full service, select service and extended stay hotels located in MD, VA, MI and FL which serve both business and leisure guests seeking first class hotel accommodations, meeting facilities and banquet venues. The company also operates two IACC Certified Executive Conference & Training Centers in Northern Virginia.  To learn more about the B. F. Saul Company Hotel Division go to www.bfsaulhotels.com.