Marriott International (MAR/NYSE) has named Erika Alexander and Jeri Flood vice presidents of TownePlace Suites, the company`s newest extended stay product. The two will be responsible for developing market, positioning and operations strategies for the two-year-old brand.

Alexander`s ten-year career with Marriott has included several positions with Residence Inn, Marriott`s first extended-stay brand and the leader in its market segment. Upon joining the Residence Inn team in 1995, she was instrumental in developing the business case for launching TownePlace Suites. Most recently Alexander served as brand director of TownePlace Suites. She earned her B.A. at the University of Virginia and will complete her M.B.A. from George Mason University this spring.

In 1991, Flood started her Marriott career in sales in the Washington, D.C., area. A year later, she joined the consumer marketing team for Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites. Flood also served as brand director of Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites and TownePlace Suites. The Washington, D.C., native earned her B.A. from University of North Carolina and M.B.A. from Georgetown University.

The residentially designed TownePlace Suites provides moderately-priced, spacious and functional suites for extended stay travelers. Hotels feature fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas and 24-hour staffing in a townhouse community. TownePlace Suites offers 23 locations nationwide with plans for an additional 51 locations by the end of 1999.

——-