Tampa, FL, July 26, 2004 – Lou Plasencia, President and CEO of The Plasencia Group, the leading hospitality transaction and consulting services firm representing public and private owners of hotels, resorts, and golf courses, today announced the addition of Stephen Kindl as the firm’s Regional Vice President for the Northeast. 

Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Kindl will be responsible for leading TPG’s efforts in hotel transactions throughout the Northeast region and will serve existing TPG clients, foster relationships with leading hotel companies and owners in the Northeast, and develop new business for the firm.    

Plasencia said: “I am delighted to announce Steve’s addition, after a long and intensive search to find the ideal professional to join our growing organization and lead our efforts in the Northeast.” He concluded, “Steve’s 24 years in real estate investments covering a variety of clients and transactions make him a perfect fit.  We welcome him to our team.”
 
Kindl’s most recent experience was at Cigna, where as a portfolio manager he handled its $1.4 billion open-end commingled fund and its 140 state, municipal and corporate pension funds.  He also served as regional head of acquisitions overseeing a large portfolio of various product types in markets throughout the country.  His track record of client management success and capital market transaction volume of over $3.5 billion resulted from experience gained at such institutions as Aetna, John Hancock Insurance, Lend Lease and Cigna.

Kindl said, “I am delighted to join The Plasencia Group. The company’s growth, reputation and integrity in the industry make this an exciting professional opportunity. I am happy to join this seasoned team and look forward to helping advance The Plasencia Group’s business objectives in the years ahead.”

About The Plasencia Group

Founded in 1993, The Plasencia Group, Inc. is the leading hospitality transaction and consulting services firm, representing public and private owners of hotels, resorts, and golf courses. With transactions encompassing close to 11,000 hotel rooms valued at well over $1 billion in the past twelve months alone, The Plasencia Group, Inc. has provided personalized, valued-added investment opportunities and services to clients such as Cigna Insurance, Host Marriott Corporation (NYSE: HMT), MeriStar Hotel Company (NYSE: MHX), FelCor Lodging Trust (NYSE:FCH), Lend Lease Real Estate Investments and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  With regional offices in Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, Providence, San Diego – and now, Hartford – The Plasencia Group, Inc. offers a full range of value-added solutions, including transactions, property valuation analysis, financial and strategic planning, asset management and disposition, and proprietary industry research.  Learn more about The Plasencia Group, Inc. at www.tpghotels.com.