BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Host Marriott Corporation (NYSE: HMT) today announced that Judith A. McHale, president and chief operating officer of Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI), has been elected to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

"Judith McHale brings to the Host Marriott Board leadership skills and operations expertise gained during her tenure at Discovery," said Christopher J. Nassetta, Host Marriott's president and chief executive officer. "With her diverse professional background and extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry, she will further expand the depth and range of Host's strong independent board."

Ms. McHale has served since 1995 as president and COO of DCI, parent company of cable television's Discovery Channel. She has led DCI's development in television, advanced media, on-line and retail services. Her leadership in expanding DCI's television services has included the acquisitions of TLC and the Travel Channel; the launches of Animal Planet and the Discovery Health Channel, and the development of six targeted channels. She has developed strategic partnerships around the world, including DCI's global alliance with the BBC and a major joint venture with The New York Times Company to co-own the Discovery Times Channel. Ms. McHale also expanded DCI's retail service by acquiring the Nature Company stores, creating a nation wide chain of 167 Discovery Channel Stores. Before joining Discovery in 1987 as its General Counsel, Ms. McHale served as general counsel for MTV Networks, where she was responsible for legal affairs for MTV, Nickelodeon and VH-1.

Ms. McHale also serves on the Board of Directors for Polo Ralph Lauren, John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. and the Potomac Electric Power Company. She is a graduate of Fordham Law School and earned her undergraduate degree in politics from the University of Nottingham in England.

Ms. McHale fills a vacancy on the Board of Directors, bringing its members to seven. Under the Company's by-laws, she will stand for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Host Marriott is a Fortune 500 lodging real estate company that currently owns or holds controlling interests in 123 upscale and luxury hotel properties primarily operated under premium brands such as Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Swissotel and Hilton. For further information, please visit the Company's website at http://www.hostmarriott.com .

SOURCE Host Marriott Corporation

CONTACT: Greg Larson, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, of Host Marriott Corporation, +1-240-744-5120