INDIANAPOLIS, HEI Hotels & Resorts (HEI), the nation's fastest growing private owner/operator of hotel real estate, today announced the promotion of Jennifer Richards to general manager of the 221-room Hilton Indianapolis North in Indiana. Previously, Richards was the director of operations of an HEI-operated property in Nashville, Tennessee.

"To remain competitive in this challenging economy requires leaders who are highly versatile, experienced in different facets of the hospitality industry, and who are able to adapt quickly to the changing business landscape," said Tim Digby, senior vice president of operations, HEI Hotels & Resorts. "Jennifer has 20 years of leadership experience in multiple areas of property management, including pre-opening services and revenue management."

Jennifer served briefly as director of operations at HEI's Sheraton Music City, exhibiting leadership and financial success. While at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, Richards played a key role in the property earning the Community Services Award from the California Lodging and Hotel Association and the Energy Conservation Award from Hilton Hotel Corporation. Richards has served in a variety of Task Force roles since joining HEI in 2005, working in leadership positions at a number of HEI properties.

Prior to joining HEI Hotels & Resorts, Richards was assistant director of conference services for the 297-room St. Regis Los Angeles, where she helped develop and implement the property's corporate service-level policies and procedures. As front office manager for the W in San Francisco, she was responsible for leading the training process for the front office and conducted daily operational and service training classes.

"HEI has given me the opportunity to grow at every turn, taking the time to help me develop while supporting my career ambitions," Richards said. "I look forward to working with a new team to develop innovative guest services and values-focused strategies to promote the Hilton Indianapolis North as one of the leading hotels in the market."

About the Hilton Indianapolis North | Located at 8181 North Shadeland Ave., the Hilton Indianapolis North is near the downtown area, the Indianapolis International Airport, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Conseco Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium. The hotel offers more than 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, fitness center, indoor pool, and onsite, full-service restaurant, the North Side Bar & Grill. The 221 well-appointed guestrooms feature Crabtree & Evelyn La Source(R) bath amenities and high-speed Internet access.

About HEI Hotels & Resorts | HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates full-service, upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, Embassy Suites, and Hilton. For more information about HEI, visit the company's website, .

Jess Petitt
HEI Hotels & Resorts
203-849-2228
HEI Hotels