Benchmark Appoints GM Council House and Wingspread
HOUSTON, TX, Ocober 5, 2007. Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Kevin Rupp as general manager for The Council House, an exclusive international conference center for SC Johnson, a Family Company, and Wingspread, a private conference center for the Johnson Foundation. Both properties are located in Racine, Wisconsin. Bill Upshaw, vice president for Benchmark Hospitality, made the announcement.
"It is my pleasure to announce Kevin's new role with Benchmark as general manager," stated Mr. Upshaw. "He has a talent for assembling and leading award-winning teams and we look forward to his continued success in his new position."
Kevin Rupp was previously director of conference services for Benchmark's Eaglewood Resort and Spa, located in the Chicagoland area. His leadership in this position largely contributed to the resort being awarded the Pinnacle Award, one of the meeting industry highest honors. Rupp began his employment with the property during the pre-opening phase.
Mr. Rupp has also served as director of conference operations for Andersen Worldwide, the global conference and training facility for Arthur Andersen and Accenture. In this role, he managed all aspects of the operation of the 120,000 square foot conference center. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Rupp assumed positions of increasing responsibility for the three major Hilton Hotels in Chicago.
Kevin Rupp is a graduate of Western Illinois University where he earned a degree in Hospitality Management and Business Management. He is a member of the International Association of Conference Centers, the Association for Convention Operation Managers and the International Communications Industries Association. He has relocated to Racine.




Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at