ARLINGTON, VA, Nov. 16, 2011—Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the largest U.S.-based global management company, today announced that, effective December 1, 2011, Jim Abrahamson (top right photo), Interstate’s president and chief operating officer, will transition to chief executive officer and current CEO and Chairman Thomas F. Hewitt (middle left photo) will remain as chairman, as previously announced earlier this year
In addition, the senior executive team effective December 1, 2011 will be: Samuel E. (Ted) Knighton, chief operating officer; Julie Pangelinan (lower right photo), chief financial officer; Leslie Ng (lower left photo), chief investment officer; and Christopher Bennett, chief administrative officer and general counsel.
“Jim brings worldwide perspective, deep brand experience with Hilton, Hyatt and IHG and proven industry leadership to our company at a time of extremely rapid growth,” Hewitt said. “He already has developed great relationships with our owners and is highly regarded by the leading brands. He has been a terrific addition to lead our Interstate team.” “Under Tom’s leadership the company has skillfully doubled in size to nearly 400 hotels,” Abrahamson said. “We are fortunate to have his remarkable legacy and continued guidance and input as chairman.”
“The promotion of Ted coupled with Julie’s addition at midyear and Chris and Leslie’s long-term contributions, provides Interstate with the capabilities and skills necessary to lead this company as reflected by their many contributions to the company’s recent significant growth,” Abrahamson said.
“We have a strong executive team in place, perhaps the best in the business, with the talent and experience to advance Interstate forward as we deliver superior performance to our owners and as we continue our unprecedented worldwide growth.”
Knighton will oversee global operations of the company’s managed and owned hotels currently located on three continents. He has been with Interstate and its predecessor company since 1990 and has held increasingly important positions with the company.
Most recently, he was president of hotel operations, responsible for Interstate’s North American portfolio, Interstate’s largest region. His career includes senior roles with Radisson Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Knighton holds a degree in hotel administration from Cornell University.
“Ted is a proven and highly effective senior operations executive,” Abrahamson said. “He has earned the respect of our hotel owners and our 26,000 associates through his leadership, experience and vision. I am confident he will be successful integrating Interstate’s global hotel operations, a key strategy for the company.”
Contact:
Jerry Daly, Carol McCune Carrie McIntyre
Media SVP, Treasurer
Daly Gray Interstate Hotels & Resorts
(703) 435-6293 (703) 387-3320
Patrick Daly
Account Supervisor
Daly Gray, Inc.
Office: (703) 435-6293
Cell: (703) 300-8289
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