Host Marriott Corporation (NYSE: HMT) today
announced that Judith A. McHale, president and chief operating officer of Discovery
Communications, Inc. (DCI), has been elected to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
“Judith McHale brings to the Host Marriott Board leadership skills and operations expertise
gained during her tenure at Discovery,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, Host Marriott’s president and
chief executive officer. “With her diverse professional background and extensive experience in the
media and entertainment industry, she will further expand the depth and range of Host’s strong
independent board.”
Ms. McHale has served since 1995 as president and COO of DCI, parent company of cable
television’s Discovery Channel. She has led DCI’s development in television, advanced media, on-line
and retail services. Her leadership in expanding DCI’s television services has included the
acquisitions of TLC and the Travel Channel; the launches of Animal Planet and the Discovery Health
Channel, and the development of six targeted channels. She has developed strategic partnerships
around the world, including DCI’s global alliance with the BBC and a major joint venture with The
New York Times Company to co-own the Discovery Times Channel. Ms. McHale also expanded
DCI’s retail service by acquiring the Nature Company stores, creating a nation wide chain of 167 Discovery Channel Stores. Before joining Discovery in 1987 as its General Counsel, Ms. McHale
served as general counsel for MTV Networks, where she was responsible for legal affairs for MTV,
Nickelodeon and VH-1.
Ms. McHale also serves on the Board of Directors for Polo Ralph Lauren, John Hancock
Financial Services, Inc. and the Potomac Electric Power Company. She is a graduate of Fordham
Law School and earned her undergraduate degree in politics from the University of Nottingham in
England.
Ms. McHale fills a vacancy on the Board of Directors, bringing its members to seven. Under the
Company’s by-laws, she will stand for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders.
Host Marriott is a Fortune 500 lodging real estate company that currently owns or holds
controlling interests in 123 upscale and luxury hotel properties primarily operated under premium
brands such as Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Swiss™tel and Hilton. For further
information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hostmarriott.com.
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