HIG To Expand Abroad

SCOTTSDALE— Hospitality Investors Group, LLC (HIG), has named Sir Anthony Jolliffe vice chairman, a role through which he will assist in HIG’s expansion efforts in Europe, China and Japan, where HIG will open its offices later this month. HIG’s president is Tom Huffsmith, who previously oversaw the Regent Hotels brand, which is owned by Carlson Hospitality. HIG is a private equity group which acts as a principal in the joint development of hotels, structuring and investing in single-asset transactions, and strategic partnering in portfolio transactions. HIG is also a founding member and principal in Hermes Capital Partners, a private investment bank based in Paris. HIG said it will structure debt and equity to support its acquisitions utilitizing Hermes and its extensive banking relationships. HIG currently has hotel interests in Arizona, Argentina, Uruguay, Morocco, France and French Polynesia and said it is actively pursuing opportunities in Latin America, Caribbean, Western Europe and now in Japan with the opening of a new office. HIG said Jolliffe, has served as Lord Mayor of London, was the founder of a highly successful international accounting practice, has been involved in the creation of U.K. property companies, and has extensive experience in the growth and management of investments through board positions such as his 18-year tenure as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of ABN Amro Venture Capital. He was also formerly a member of Japan Air Lines development board in Europe where he served for over 25 years, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Special Advisory Board to the Governor of Yunnan Province China.