[Singapore, 17 April 2002] - Six Continents Hotels today announced that Richard Hartman, Managing Director of Six Continents Hotels, Asia Pacific, has been named “Hotelier of the Year” at the 5th Annual Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Investment Conference. Jointly sponsored by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels and Andersen, the conference is the industry’s premier forum targeted at CEOs, Managing Directors, CFOs and senior executives of hotel owning and management companies as well as financial institutions. The conference provides delegates with insights on the macro economic overview including hotel operating performance and hotel investment in Asia Pacific, as well as hotel equity capital markets.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award. To excel in the hotel industry for 35 years, it requires the successful integration of people, partners, brands and systems,” said Richard Hartman. “I am privileged to work with the Six Continents Hotels Asia Pacific team. Our team is best in class and with their passion, dynamism and professionalism, they have all contributed to the company’s success.”

Mr. Hartman will also participate in the conference’s Chief Executive Round Table where he will share his thoughts on the future of the global hotel industry and how hotel management companies can drive growth and be profitable in today’s business environment.

With 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Hartman has an extensive background in business development and asset management in North America and Asia Pacific. Most recently, he has been responsible for driving growth of the Six Continents Hotels group in Asia Pacific. Last year, Mr. Hartman was responsible for the successful acquisition of the Hong Kong Regent, now re-branded Hotel Inter-Continental Hong Kong, the largest hotel property deal in Asia Pacific. He pioneered hotel development in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia with minimal investment through the use of joint venture management companies during the 1990s.

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