Benchmark Hospitality International has named Alex Cabanas vice president of development and strategy for the global hospitality management company. The appointment was announced by Burt Cabanas, Benchmark's chairman and chief executive officer. Alex Cabanas was previously vice president of capital markets for Benchmark Hospitality. In his new position with Benchmark Hospitality International, Alex Cabanas assumes broad responsibilities for the company's growth, including the expansion of its portfolio of award-winning resorts, personal luxury hotels and conference centers, both domestically and internationally.  With strategic planning and organizational development efforts critical to successful growth, Mr. Cabanas will coordinate with Benchmark’s executive team to move the organization forward.   As well, he will continue to oversee the development of Benchmark's investment capital opportunities and relationships important to the company's expansion plans. Alex Cabanas has been employed by Benchmark Hospitality since early 2006, most recently serving as vice president of capital markets.  In this role, he actively expanded Benchmark's access to capital resources globally, developed a capital strategy for potential co-investment opportunities and supported strategic planning initiatives.  Additionally, Mr. Cabanas oversaw the launch of Benchmark Japan, the company's Asian subsidiary, which included the initiation of multiple development projects within Tokyo and the country of Japan.  Prior to this appointment, Cabanas served as director of capital markets and strategic planning for Benchmark Hospitality.

Chino Latino has a sizzling new addition with Werner Seebach joining the award winning London restaurant as Executive Head Chef. “Seebach brings a wealth of flair and creativity,” says Yuksel Yucetepe, General Manager of Chino Latino. “With a background in five-star hotels and top restaurants, his vast experience in working with different Asian cuisines made him the ideal candidate to lead Chino Latino to an even higher level of quality and excellence.” Seebach enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of his profession. After serving his apprenticeship in South Africa he moved to London, perfecting his trade as Sous Chef at the Carlton Tower Hotel (Jumeirah International Knightsbridge). He moved to the popular Roka restaurant in Charlotte Street, before becoming Head Chef at Cocoon, a futuristic and well respected pan-Asian cuisine restaurant. Prior to joining Chino Latino, Seebach was Head Chef at Japanese restaurant Kiyashii. Mixing oriental dishes with a Latin cocktail bar, Chino Latino has forged a reputation as one of the best restaurants in London. With sister branches at the Park Plaza Nottingham and Park Plaza Leeds, Chino Latino is regarded as a leading Pan-Asian brand throughout the UK and Europe.

James Rees has been promoted to head up the Conference and Events Sales Division at ExCeL London, following an internal restructure which has seen the recent appointment of David Pegler as Managing Director of the Exhibition and C&E sales and marketing divisions. James Rees said of his promotion:  “I’m looking forward to the challenges that my new role brings, at what is a very exciting and busy time for us in the run up to the opening of our expanded venue in 2010. I will be looking to build on our track record within the conference and events market and extend our global reach through our new world-class facilities.” Commenting on James’s promotion, Kevin Murphy, CEO, ExCeL London said: “James is an integral member of the senior management team, who has consistently delivered since joining ExCeL London in 2003. This is a very exciting time for us, and we look forward to James using his extensive experience to take the conference and events business forward.”