WASHINGTON -- Marriott International, Inc. MAR named six individuals as "1999 General Manager of the Year" for its full-service hotel brands, Marriott and Renaissance. The award winners, who were recently recognized for their achievements at the Annual General Manager's Conference in New Orleans, include: Peter Caprez, Marriott Royal Garden Riverside in Bangkok; George Cook, Renaissance Mayflower in Washington, D.C.; John Hearns, Evergreen Conference Center at Stone Mountain, Ga.; Yehia Rashed, Paris Marriott; Steve Sharple, New Orleans Marriott; and Craig Smith, Renaissance Jaragua Hotel and Casino in the Dominican Republic.

The General Manager of the Year award was presented to these individuals based upon their financial performance, leadership in guest and associate satisfaction, and excellence in operations management.

"We are extremely proud of the work and service provided by all of our general managers, but we give a special salute to these six general managers who are among the best in the hotel industry," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc.

In addition to the General Manager of the Year awards, the company also recognized its "1999 Hotels of the Year," which include: Evergreen Conference Resort, Stone Mountain, Georgia; New York Marriott Brooklyn, New York; Kauai Marriott Resort, Hawaii; Hurghada Marriott, Egypt; JW Marriott Bangkok, Thailand; Renaissance Mayflower, Washington, D.C.; and Renaissance Jaragua, Dominican Republic.

General Managers of the Year

General Manager Steve Sharple of the New Orleans Marriott was recognized for increasing the hotel's occupancy to its highest level in the property's 25-year history. He is well known to his customers and associates through his regular client meetings and weekly receptions. In addition, he is the recipient of numerous regional awards for outstanding management and financial performance.

At the Paris Marriott Hotel, General Manager Yehia Rashed, achieved success in establishing the hotel as one of the finest in the city since its opening two years ago. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership, his support of community, owner relations and occupancy levels that are among the highest in Marriott's system.

John Hearns, general manager of the Evergreen Conference Resort, was recognized for his outstanding efforts in establishing a strong partnership with the resort's owners, achieving strong financial performance and managing a 100-room addition to his property.

George Cook, general manager of the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, was rewarded for achieving top financial performance and increasing the hotel's market share in a very competitive city - Washington, D.C. Additionally, Cook was recognized for increasing guest and associate satisfaction scores.

General Manager Peter Caprez, Marriott Royal Garden Riverside Hotel, was recognized for his achievements, especially in the area of food and beverage excellence for which the hotel is widely respected. Under his leadership and commitment, the hotel has become one of the top hotels in the Marriott system in overall guest satisfaction.

Craig Smith, general manager of the Renaissance Jaragua Hotel and Casino, was commended for rebuilding the community and the hotel following the destruction of Hurricane George. At the same time, his team achieved outstanding results in financial performance, operations, and guest and associate satisfaction levels.

Note: Marriott International, Inc. MAR is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,000 operating units in the United States and 55 other countries and territories. Marriott Lodging operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites, and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Horizons brands; operates executive apartments and conference centers; and provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott division. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, wholesale food distribution, procurement services and The Ritz-Carlton Company, LLC. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 143,000 employees. In fiscal year 1999, Marriott International reported total sales of $8.7 billion.

Geary Campbell
301-380-7770
Marriott