Red Lion Hotels appoints new interim president and CEO

Red Lion Hotels Corporation announced today that Jon Eliassen, the lead independent director on the board of directors of the company, has been appointed interim president and chief executive officer of the company, effective immediately, replacing Anupam Narayan. Mr. Narayan's employment ended on January 13, 2010.

Mr. Eliassen served for 16 years as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Avista Corporation prior to retiring in 2003. From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Eliassen was president and chief executive officer of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council. He has been a director of Red Lion Hotels Corporation since 2003.