MCLEAN, VA | The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announces Jeff Senior, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, as the new Global Board of Directors Chairman. HSMAI Global board members elected Senior to the position at the Sept. 27 board meeting held in Oslo, Norway.

A 25-year veteran of the hotel industry, Senior previously held positions in both marketing and operations with Marriott Corp., Doubletree Hotels Corp., Kimpton Hotels and Restaurant Group and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

“As chair of HSMAI’s Global Board of Directors I will be able to work with the brightest minds from the best brands in the industry,” Senior said. “This opportunity comes at an exciting time for HSMAI with the new wave of chapter development in Asia and the Middle East, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue the momentum generated by my predecessors.”

The 2008 HSMAI Global Board of Directors also includes:

• Dorothy Dowling – senior vice president, marketing and sales, Best Western International
• Christian Gayet – senior vice president of sales, Accor North America
• Ursula Hahn, CHME – managing director, HSMAI Mexico City Chapter
• Jens Thraenhart – managing director, Chameleon Strategies
• Arne Sundt-Bjerck – managing director, ASB Consult
• Kjell Galstad – general manager, Online Services AS
• Pamela Streeter – vice president of electronic distribution & marketing, Interstate Hotels & Resorts