NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Loews Hotels & Resorts, a wholly owned-subsidiary of Loews Corporation (NYSE: L), has named S. Kirk Kinsell as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2015. Paul Whetsell will remain CEO until that time and will then become Vice Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts to ensure a smooth transition. Both will report to Jonathan Tisch, who will continue his leadership as Chairman.
Mr. Kinsell joins Loews Hotels after 19 years in senior positions with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and more than 35 years in the hospitality business. Most recently, Mr. Kinsell served as President, The Americas for IHG. With more than 3,700 hotels under his management, Kinsell was responsible for business development and performance of all hotel brands and properties in North and South America. Prior to IHG, Kirk was with ITT Sheraton and Trammell Crow Hotel Company.
"Kirk's broad experience in development, sales, and brand operations makes him an ideal choice to lead Loews Hotels forward in our next phase of growth and operational excellence," said Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts and Co-Chairman of Loews Corp. "I want to thank Paul Whetsell for his leadership over the last several years. He has been instrumental in profitably growing our brand and broadening our customer base through the addition of key properties in gateway cities and by building upon the success of our existing portfolio."
"It has been an honor to work at Loews Hotels. I'm proud of what we have been able to accomplish together and I look forward to helping Kirk and the team," said Mr. Whetsell. "I've known Kirk for many years and he is absolutely the right person to advance our strategy from this point."
"I am impressed with Loews Hotels and the strategic steps taken over the last few years to enhance the operational effectiveness of the network and strengthen the brand. The company has exceptional assets and a solid foundation in place," said Mr. Kinsell. "I have spent the majority of my career at larger chains, and am gratified by the prospect of being able to shape the continued growth of one of the most storied luxury brands in the industry. On a personal note, I very much look forward to working with Jon and Paul, and with the Loews Hotels executive team."
About Loews Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Resorts owns and/or operates 23 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including two newly acquired Midwest locations – the Loews Minneapolis Hotel, situated in the heart of Minneapolis' entertainment district, and the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel, less than two miles from O'Hare Airport in the emerging city of Rosemont, Ill. The new-build, 400-room Loews Chicago Hotel will debut downtown in February 2015. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with exciting, approachable and local travel experiences. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels & Resorts, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.
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About Loews Corporation
Loews Corporation (NYSE: L) is a diversified company with three publicly-traded subsidiaries: CNA Financial Corporation (NYSE: CNA), Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (NYSE: DO) and Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (NYSE: BWP); and one wholly owned subsidiary, Loews Hotels & Resorts. For more information please visit www.loews.com
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SOURCE Loews Corporation
Loews Hotels & Resorts, Sarah Murov, (212) 521-2495, smurov@loewshotels.com
