Previously directed under one umbrella, the operations of each brand will be now be independent teams with the AmeriSuites operations lead by Ed Dykes, Senior Vice President (previous head of operations for both brands) and the announcement of the appointment of John Valletta as Senior Vice President, Operations for Wellesley Inn Suites. 

�This restructuring and subsequent appointment of Mr. Valletta is in keeping with our overall plans for aggressive growth for both brands,� said A. F. Petrocelli, Prime�s CEO and Chairman. �We have achieved excellent results from our strategic growth plan for AmeriSuites, completing fifty (50) new franchise contracts in our first year, the recent opening of the brand�s 100th hotel and have ten more AmeriSuites currently under construction. On the Wellesley side, we have completed a very successful conversion of HomeGates and Wellesley Inns to our new brand Wellesley Inn Suites with 66 hotels now in operation. In order to continue this momentum, it is time for each brand to focus independently on its strengths and specific audiences,� Petrocelli said.  

John Valletta brings over fifteen years experience to his new role at Prime having held senior management positions at LaQuinta Inns, most recently as Vice President of Operations for the chains Midwest region. Prior to LaQuinta, Mr.  Valletta was the Northeast Area Manager for Accor Hotels. For Prime, he will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic operations plan and direction for the Wellesley Inn Suites brand, reporting directly to Mr.  Petrocelli.

In addition to the appointment of John Valletta, Prime also announced the promotion of Jeffrey Smith to Regional Vice President of Operations for the Southeast Wellesley Inn Suites. His previous position with Prime was as senior operations analysis. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for assuring operational excellence and results for hotels in his region reporting to Mr. Valletta.

Prime Hospitality Corp., one of the nation�s premiere lodging companies owns, manages, develops and franchises over 200 hotels throughout the United States. The Company owns and operates two proprietary brands AmeriSuites and Wellesley Inn Suites. Also within its portfolio are owned and/or managed hotels operated under franchise agreements with national hotel chains.