Benchmark Hospitality International Positions For Further Growth Names Alex Cabañas and Ellen Sinclair to Senior-level Positions

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2010 … Benchmark Hospitality International has announced organizational structure changes designed to support planned future growth for the leading independent hospitality management company. Burt Cabañas, chairman and chief executive officer, made the announcement.

“I see a clear path to reasonable economic growth within the United States over the next 12-24 months, with our company expanding significantly,” said Mr. Cabañas. “To support Benchmark’s growth targets, we are broadening our management structure, beginning with the key positions of chief development and strategy officer, to which Alex Cabañas has been appointed, and adding the position of senior vice president, with Ellen Sinclair serving in this new role.” Mr. Cabañas continued with, “I congratulate both Ellen and Alex on these key appointments, which are of significant importance to the future growth of Benchmark Hospitality International.”

Alex Cabañas, Chief Development and Strategy Officer
In his new role as chief development and strategy officer, Alex Cabañas will work side-by-side with Benchmark’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer in support of the company’s development and growth platform. Reporting directly to Benchmark’s chairman and CEO, Mr. Cabañas will also assume an active role in addressing the future legal structure of the company’s business contracts and focus on capital deployment strategies in support of Benchmark’s planned expansion.

Alex Cabañas was previously vice president of development and strategy for Benchmark. While serving in this role, Benchmark added four properties to the company’s portfolio during a period that proved to be one of the most challenging business environments in several decades. In this position, he also oversaw the re-structuring of the company’s Benchmark Japan Partnership. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Cabañas served as director of capital markets and strategic planning for Benchmark Hospitality International.

Previous to joining Benchmark, Alex Cabañas was part of the global consulting team with The Boston Consulting Group. He earned his Master in Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He holds a Bachelor in Business Administration degree and a Master of Science in Finance degree from Texas A&M University. Mr. Cabañas resides in The Woodlands with his family.

Ellen Sinclair, Senior Vice President
In her new role as senior vice president, Ellen Sinclair will oversee Benchmark’s corporate and university conference centers and assist in the growth of this important and expanding segment of the company. Additionally, she will assume formal leadership and oversight responsibilities for system-wide human resources functions, Benchmark University, and ensure the company’s corporate culture extends to all areas of the business.

Previously, Ms. Sinclair was vice president for Benchmark Hospitality, overseeing and supporting the operations of properties located in the Mid Atlantic and Northeastern United States. She joined Benchmark in 1995, and has served in multiple roles both in the field and in the home office. Prior to joining Benchmark Hospitality, Ms. Sinclair was general manager for hotel projects with both Radisson and Omni Hotels in multiple market locations.

Ellen Sinclair is a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Business Administration. Ms. Sinclair attended Cornell University and the Center for Constructive Change at the University of New Hampshire. She is a Certified Hotel Administrator through the American Hotel & Motel Association, a Real Property Administrator and a Facilities Management Administrator through the Building Owners and Managers Institute International. She has served as instructor in Hospitality Sales & Marketing at the Katherine Gibbs School, and as Mentor in the Leadership Program with Women Unlimited, Inc. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Conference Centers. Ellen Sinclair will operate out of Benchmark’s northeast regional office in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels^TM. 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.