The Leading Hotels of the World announced a reorganization of the senior leadership team in order to increase the company's focus and resources on its core business.

In making the announcement, Ted Teng, president and chief executive officer, commented:  "Going forward we will focus on the core business by strengthening membership, driving more revenue to our member hotels, and adding value for our customers.  In order to accomplish these strategic objectives, an organizational realignment has been made."

Daniel Neumann has been appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer.   Mr. Neumann has been with the company since October 1998 and was appointed senior vice president of finance in September 2002.  Prior to Leading Hotels, Mr. Neumann was corporate controller for the Lowell Hotel, New York and L'Ermitage, Beverly Hills.  He began his career at Pannell Kerr Forster, an international public accounting and consulting firm where he departed in July 1994 as senior manager.  Mr. Neumann holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Villanova University and is also a certified public accountant.

Upon making the appointment Mr. Teng stated, "While at Leading Hotels, Dan has consistently demonstrated his strong business acumen, in-depth knowledge of the company's revenue model, proven leadership skills, and great integrity. I am confident that Dan will be instrumental in achieving the aggressive goals outlined in the new business plan."   

As part of the restructure, Claudia Kozma Kaplan has been appointed senior vice president of marketing and communications. Ms. Kozma Kaplan joined Leading Hotels in July 2003 as vice president of corporate communications.  Prior to that, she was director of public relations and special events for the Société des Bains de Mer in Monte Carlo.  From 1995 to 2000, Ms. Kozma Kaplan was global director of marketing and corporate communications for The Rafael Group, a leading management company of five-star hotels. She began her career at The Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, where she departed in 1995 as international sales and marketing manager. Ms. Kozma Kaplan graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor of science degree and is fluent in four languages. 

"Claudia's global vision for the brand and thorough knowledge of the international luxury market has proven invaluable at Leading Hotels. I am certain that she will be able to integrate two formerly independent departments seamlessly to maximize synergies and improve day-to-day efficiencies, while bringing a fresh perspective to an already strong marketing team," Mr. Teng commented.

Further to the reorganization, Lee Andrews, previously executive vice president and chief financial officer, will transition into a legal advisory role in which he will continue to provide valuable and ongoing contributions to the organization. The position of executive vice president and chief operating officer held by Welf Ebeling has been eliminated.

The various responsibilities of the strategic planning department have been consolidated into other areas. Consequently, Kim Moffitt-Hehir, vice president of strategic planning, will be leaving the organization and Mr. Teng will be working directly with the leadership team to set the company's overall strategic direction. Marshall Calder, formerly senior vice president, marketing has left the organization to pursue other interests.

About the departures Mr. Teng stated, "I would like to thank Welf, Kim and Marshall for their many years of dedication and considerable contributions to The Leading Hotels of the World.  I wish them well in all of their future endeavors."

"We have a very talented and seasoned leadership team in place with whom I intend to work very closely.  This realignment is an assertive move to deliver the most value to our customers, hotel members, and travel partners.  As always, we are unified and committed to this purpose," Mr. Teng concluded.