Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE/MAR) announces that over the next six to 12 months it will transfer much of the development effort for Europe, Middle East and Africa from its London development office to Zurich. The new office in Zurich has been in operation since January 1, 1999.

To support this effort, Kevin Kearney has been promoted to senior vice president of international hotel development. In his new role, he will oversee both the Zurich and London offices and will be responsible for the development of all Marriott lodging brands for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Kearney will relocate to Zurich in the next few months.

After five years of overseeing Marriott`s development office in London for Europe, Middle East and Africa region, Jim Fisher will return to Marriott`s corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland to serve as senior vice president of development.

With rapid growth Marriott has been experiencing in the past few years, this was a perfect time to enhance our development efforts in this region, said James M. Sullivan, executive vice president of development. Having a development office in operation in Zurich offers tremendous opportunity and is a perfect strategic location.

A 13-year veteran with Marriott, Kearney began his career with the company as the manager of hotel development planning and feasibility. He was promoted in 1989 to vice president of market planning and feasibility and four years later was appointed vice president of international hotel development, his most recent position. Kearney also served as a consultant in 1983 at Laventhol & Horwath.

Kevin has been a tremendous asset to the development team, said Sullivan. He has played a critical role in helping us grow and become the dominant hotel chain in the Caribbean and Latin America region.

Kearney earned a bachelor of science degree in hotel administration in 1983 from Cornell University.

During the course of his 17 year career with Marriott, Fisher has made significant contributions to the company in feasibility and North American development, as well as his activities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining Marriott, Fisher held management positions with Laventhol &Horwath and Club Corporation of America.

Fisher earned a master`s degree in hotel administration from Cornell University.

Currently in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Marriott operates 146 hotels spanning six lodging brands—Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites, Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Executive Residences, Courtyard by Marriott and Ramada International.

Marriott plans to open more than 20 hotels in the region over the next 24 months.

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