Six Continents Hotels, Inc., the world`s leading global hotel group, announced today that Craig R. Mueller has been named vice president of development for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States.

In this position, Mueller will be responsible for overseeing the regional growth and development for all of Six ContinentsSM Hotels brands, including Inter-Continental®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express® and Staybridge Suites®. Based in Chicago, he will head the team of franchise sales and real estate development personnel in the region.

“Craig brings to Six Continents Hotels a strong, balanced background of hospitality industry experience,” said Jon Kurnit, senior vice president, Franchise & Real Estate Development, Six Continents Hotels, The Americas. “His leadership and expertise will be instrumental to the future growth and distribution of all our Brands in the region.”

Prior to joining Six Continents Hotels, Mueller held several senior positions within the hospitality and real estate practices of Lend Lease Real Estate Investments, Deloitte & Touche, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, and Laventhol & Horwath. His most recent position was principal of the Lodging and Leisure Group for Lend Lease Real Estate Investments, Inc., where he was responsible for acquisitions and sales, asset management and leading efforts to attract capital for hotel investments.

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