Juan Carlos Contalba Appointed to the HHOA Board of Directors
Benchmark's Director of International Development
HOUSTON, TX, November 17, 2009 - Benchmark Hospitality International has announced that Juan Carlos Contalba, director of international development for the leading private hospitality management company, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association (HHOA). Benchmark Hospitality is a charter member of the association, and last year was voted “Hispanic Hotel Company of the Year” in HHOA's prestigious Estrella Awards competition. Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, made the announcement.
“Benchmark is an active supporter of HHOA,” said Mr. Cabañas. “We're thrilled Juan Carlos has joined the Board of Directors and will be instrumental in helping shape the association in the years to come. The Hispanic Hotel Owners Association is the only organization of its kind seeking to increase Hispanic ownership of hotels.”
“Juan Carlos brings a vast amount of hospitality experience to our board of directors,” said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, founder and president of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association. “He has in-depth expertise in international markets and will play a key role in our outreach initiatives to increase the presence of Hispanics within the hospitality industry.”
Mr. Contalba has extensive international experience, with special expertise in the United States, Europe, Caribbean, Central and South American markets. He launched his career in the hospitality industry during the early days of Benchmark Hospitality International. Subsequently, after earning a law degree and working in the international legal industry for many years, he rejoined Benchmark Hospitality in 2007 with responsibilities for Benchmark's international development initiatives.
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