BETHESDA, MD Industry veteran Jules Sieburgh has been appointed to the newly created position of svp/chief technology officer of Host Marriott Corp.
In his new role, Sieburgh will be responsible for analyzing the new technologies affecting the hotel industry, determining the necessity of these technologies, and coordinating with the company s hotel managers to integrate these technologies smoothly, according to Host Marriott. He reports directly to Robert Parsons, CFO.
He understands the technologies in the industry, said Parsons. He brings in-house expertise that we didn t have before.
Parsons noted that Host Marriott has always had a senior vice president responsible for overseeing the company s information systems. However, the company recently decided to expand the scope of this position, to include leveraging new technologies to enhance the value of its assets, and capitalizing on profitable technological opportunities within the industry.
Technology, over the last year, has begun to play a more important role in the lodging arena, said Parsons. We want to make sure we utilize these technologies to enhance the value of the hotels in our portfolio.
Host Marriott has recently begun focusing its efforts on the implementation of three new initiatives: in-room, high-speed Internet access; Web-based sales and marketing; and B2B supply-chain management capabilities.
Sieburgh will be responsible for understanding these new technologies and programs, making sure the other corporate executives understand them, and determining how these technologies will impact Host Marriott s properties, said Parsons.
A 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Sieburgh most recently worked at Priceline.com. He also served as vp/hotel systems at Inter-Continental Hotels and vp/information systems for Sonesta International Hotels. Diana M. Rodriguez (3/21/01)