HEI Hotels & Resorts Promotes Six, Sets Stage for Additional Growth

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. September 15, 2011

Norwalk, CT - September 14, 2011 - HEI Hotels & Resorts the nation's fastest growing private owner/operator of hotel real estate, today announced several promotions aimed at positioning the company for an increase in its portfolio over the next three years.

Chief Operating Officer Ted Darnell was named a principal for the firm, with expanded responsibilities in acquisitions and development. He also will interact closely with ownership partners on operating strategies. To support the company's growth initiative, he will personally guide each new acquisition during the initial transition phase and, as chief operating officer, he will continue to be accountable for total operating performance.

Former senior vice president operations, Brian Mayer has been promoted to executive vice president operations, with additional responsibilities for sales support, marketing, and programs with brand partners to enhance the company's “Best-in-Class” operational programs. Mayer will continue to lead his region, and will also develop his involvement in underwriting new acquisitions and in hotel renovations under the guidance of Darnall.

In support of the executive promotions, three general managers were elevated to area managing director, taking on oversight of additional properties while still maintaining day-to-day responsibilities for their existing hotel.

• Rob Morgan will be responsible for Marriott Hunt Valley in Maryland and Embassy Suites Tysons Corner, Virginia, in addition to his role as general manager at Marriott Hanover in Whippany, N.J. • Mark O'Neill will be responsible for Embassy Suites Waltham, Mass. and Marriott Fort Worth, Texas, in addition to his role as general manager at The Equinox in Vermont. • Dan Kaplan will be responsible for Hilton Indianapolis and Marriott Fullerton, Calif., in addition to his role as general manager at Westin St Louis, Mo.

HEI also is increasing the involvement of general managers in hotel transitions and has promoted Gerald Barrack to area manager in leading new hotel transitions, in addition to his role as complex general manager for the Embassy Suites hotels in Lake Buena Vista and Orlando downtown in Florida.

“These strategic promotions provide for consistent leadership for our existing portfolio, while setting the stage for continued growth in the coming months,” said Gary Mendell. “As these executives assume broader roles, other talented members of our team also will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility and develop their own leadership skills.”

“All of these managers have done an outstanding job with their individual hotels, and we fully expect them to achieve a similar level of excellence in their new, expanded roles,” Ted Darnall added.

About HEI Hotels & Resorts:

HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates full-service, upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Embassy Suites, and Hilton.