The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February 2011 … Benchmark Hospitality International has named Ken Jesina conference center manager for World of Whirlpool, located in the historic Reid Murdoch Building in the River North area of Chicago.

“I am so pleased to welcome Ken back to Benchmark Hospitality,” said Ellen Sinclair, senior vice president of Benchmark Hospitality.  “He has served in leadership positions at multiple properties for our company and we’re glad to have him return to manage our newest corporate facility, World of Whirlpool.”  The new facility is Whirlpool Corporation’s flagship brand and product experience center for influencers in the appliance industry.
 
Ken Jesina comes to his new responsibilities with Benchmark Hospitality from the PGA Golf & Country Club in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.  While there, he led food and beverage operations, as well as membership sales and services support.

Jesina has extensive hotel operations experience gained over a 25-year career at both corporate and commercial conference centers and luxury resorts.  These include properties within Benchmark's portfolio and other leading hospitality brands.  Additionally, he has worked in front office, food and beverage, and engineering operations for Five Star independent resorts. 

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About World of Whirlpool
The World of Whirlpool is Whirlpool Corporation’s product experience showplace for designers, trade customers, sales associates, industry influencers and media.  Located in Chicago, Ill., the center facilitates interaction with products from Whirlpool Corporation’s brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air and Gladiator GarageWorks.
 
About Benchmark Hospitality International
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.