Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Names Mike Defrino as COO

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. July 10, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO - July 10, 2013 - San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the leading collection of boutique hotels and restaurants in the United States, announced today the appointment of Mike DeFrino as the company's new chief operating officer. A 16-year veteran of the company, DeFrino most recently served as executive vice president of hotel operations. He is Kimpton's third chief operating officer in the company's 32 year history.

Over the course of his career with Kimpton, he's played a vital role in the company's expansion. He started with Kimpton in Seattle as a general manger of the Alexis Hotel, followed by a period of time in Chicago where he was promoted to oversee a number of Kimpton's Midwest properties. In March 2001, he became Kimpton's first East Coast vice president based in Washington, D.C., and was responsible for the addition of many properties there and in Virginia, Boston, New York and Miami. In 2006 DeFrino moved to Kimpton's Home Office in San Francisco as Senior Vice President of Hotels and later became Executive Vice President of Hotels. In these roles he led the opening and stabilization of more than 20 new Kimpton properties nationwide, approximately a third of Kimpton's roster of hotels. In his new role, he adds restaurants to his area of oversight. Currently Kimpton operates 60 hotels and 68 restaurants and bars in 25 cities nationwide.

"Mike's rise to COO reflects the long-standing belief we have in the power of promoting from within. His track record of success in our hotel division coupled with his roots in the restaurant business and deep understanding of how the relationship between them sets us apart from the competition makes him the best person for the job," said Mike Depatie, chief executive officer at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. "With the incredible bench of senior leaders that we have in place, Kimpton is equipped like never before to carry out our mission to stay true to the spirit that defines us, while embarking on an exciting new phase of expansion and brand evolution."

"As we begin a new era in Kimpton's growth, we have an eye on bolstering our collection of luxury properties in highly desirable leisure destinations," said Mike DeFrino. "It's my job to see that we do that without sacrificing our legacy of being a friendly, fun and slightly irreverent brand. I'm passionate about expressing our spirit and style in a way that is a custom fit for each hotel so that our guests continue to feel the sense of discovery with each property they choose, and at the same time feel connected to our core ideals of taking care of people and inspiring what I like to call 'great living' on the road."

As COO, DeFrino is also responsible for national sales and marketing, revenue and distribution, catering, facilities, guest experience on property and sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. Additionally, he oversees operational aspects of new hotels from construction to opening, as well as the transition of purchased or new managed hotels into the brand portfolio, the implementation of its management systems, and training on Kimpton's distinct approach to creating highly personal experiences for every guest.

Before joining Kimpton, DeFrino worked for ANA Hotels in Washington, D.C. and Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Atlanta, Detroit and Los Angeles.

About Kimpton

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the leading collection of boutique hotels and restaurants in the United States and the acknowledged industry pioneer that first introduced the boutique hotel concept to America. In 1981, Bill Kimpton founded the company that today is well-known for making travelers feel genuinely cared for while away from home through ridiculously personal perks and services, a highly stylized ambience and a playful spirit. Out to help people live full, balanced lives, Kimpton aims to inspire with thoughtful touches like yoga mats in every room, complimentary coffee and tea to start the day, hosted evening Wine Hour, and locally-loved, destination restaurants and bars. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in eco-friendly practices that span all hotels and restaurants. Kimpton is consistently ranked as one of the top companies in the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, upper upscale segment, for customer satisfaction. Kimpton is highly regarded for its innovative employee culture and benefits. In 2013, the company was named Fortune magazine's "Best Place to Work" for the fourth time. The company operates 60 hotels and nearly 70 restaurants, bars and lounges in 25 cities, each with a distinctive vibe and appeal. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com and www.KimptonRestaurants.com.