THE WOODLANDS, TX--Benchmark Hospitality International has promoted Greg Champion to president and chief operating officer.

"Greg's partnership has been an integral part of our growth,” Alex Cabanas, CEO of Benchmark, told GlobeSt.com. “He has built an operating team of the highest combined caliber in our company's history. We have always believed as a company we get better with 50 percent internal promotions and 50 percent external hires. Greg had balanced that well in his six years with us, and the results show for it."

Champion has been recognized as an influential leader in hospitality for nearly 25 years. A veteran hotelier, Champion previously held the title of chief operating officer for Benchmark Hospitality International. He came to the company in 2009 after serving in senior leadership positions for leading private hotel management companies.