The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2010 � Benchmark Hospitality International has named Nikolaus P. Braun director of information technology for the leading independent hospitality company.  Mr. Braun will operate out of the company�s Home Office in The Woodlands, near Houston.  Rodney Thiel, vice president information technology, made the announcement.

�It is a pleasure to welcome Nikolaus to Benchmark Hospitality,� said Mr. Thiel.  �He brings significant hospitality experience to his new role, and we look forward to his active involvement and leadership within our global IT organization.�

Nikolaus Braun brings 20 years of experience in hospitality information technology to his new role.  He was most recently regional director of technology for Dolce Hotels & Resorts, a position he held since 2004.  Before this, he served as director of information technology for the Four Seasons Hotel in New York City.  Mr. Braun was employed in the same position for Philips Hotel Group at The Shore Club in Miami, and was part of the opening team for the Bryant Park Hotel, New York.   He also served in this role for the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group of New York.

Mr. Braun has previously worked for the two leading Hospitality IT software companies, Springer-Miller Systems and Micros Fidelio, serving as network engineer and senior installation specialist.  Earlier in his career he worked as front office manager at The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, Colorado.  Prior to this he gained European experience working with Kempinski Hotels in Frankfurt, Germany.

Nikolaus Braun earned his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.  He is an active member of the Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals Association and a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator.  He is fluent in the German language.  Mr. Braun and his family are relocating to The Woodlands.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels�.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company�s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark�s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.