Kirk Jones, an MBA Alumnus was promoted to Chief Finanical Officer of Benchmark Hospitality International in August 2016. He was previously Senior Vice President of Finance for Benchmark. As CFO, Kirk has responsibility for the strategic direction, execution and deployment of the Company's financial assets systems-wide. In addition, he oversees financial reporting, analysis, budgeting and capital planning activities that enhance the Benchmark's overall company investments.

Prior to joining Benchmark, Kirk was Executive Vice President for Capella Hotel Group. His role included financial oversight of the corporate office as well as hotels and resorts in domestic and international markets of the European Union, Russia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Mexico and the Caribbean. Before joining Capella, Kirk successfully co-founded operated and then sold an independent special event management company that focused on high-end social events and management consulting.

With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Kirk has haeld many positions within branded hotel companies including Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, Doubletree and Embassy Suites. 

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels merged with Gemstone Hotels & Resorts in June 2016, bringing the total number of properties managed to 58.

"On behalf of our newly joined management team, I congratulate Kirk on this well-deserved promotion to lead the ffinance and accounting functions of our growing company,” said Alex Cabañas, chief executive officer. “Kirk was instrumental in the merger of Gemstone and Benchmark, and will lead the integration of our finance teams with a keen focus on business intelligence and improving the financial skills of all managers and department heads.”

“The merger of Benchmark’s and Gemstone’s portfolios represents an enormous professional opportunity for our combined management team,” stated Jones. “My promotion is a harbinger of wonderful opportunities to come for many of our employees. At 8000 rooms and 10,000 employees, we are in an important space for internal professional development and advancement as we integrate the two leadership and employee teams together, and move toward future growth.”