The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, October 2010 � Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has appointed Darrin R. Pinkham, CHTP, vice president information technology.  Dennis Blyshak, Benchmark's chief financial officer made the announcement.
  
"It is a pleasure to welcome Darrin to Benchmark Hospitality," said Mr. Blyshak, "and to our Home Office in The Woodlands.  His extensive hospitality background and proven expertise in information technology will serve our company well as we prepare for future growth. " 
  
A 22-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Darrin Pinkham previously served as president of DP & Associates Hospitality Technology Consultants, a company he founded in 2008 offering technology project management, implementation strategies, in-room technology branding, and application interface expertise for new build projects.  Prior to this, Mr. Pinkham was vice president, hospitality technology for Ginn Resorts, responsible for the company's properties in Florida, South Carolina, Vermont, Colorado and the Bahamas.  While in this position, Pinkham was recognized for centralized PMS, POS, golf and business intelligence system implementations and award-winning, cutting edge in-room technology standards for the brand.
  
Earlier in his career, Mr. Pinkham served in senior-level information technology positions for leading hotel brands throughout the United States.   He is a certified hospitality technology professional with the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association, where he has served as a member of the advisory council and of the organization�s global Board of Directors.  Pinkham currently serves as an IT advisory board member for the University of Delaware, and is a past member of the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) advisory council. He is 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.