Kathleen O. Smith has been appointed Senior Vice President, Human Resources for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Smith, with more than 20 years experience as a human resources and hospitality industry professional, will oversee the 32,000 employees currently working at 61 Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts around the world.

"We are very pleased to have a highly experienced human resources expert like Kathy Smith join our corporate team," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. "She brings to her role an exceptional amount of knowledge and talent. Her proven leadership skills, and accomplishment-filled career, makes Kathy Smith the right choice for Ritz-Carlton as we are poised to expand globally, adding hotels and other brand extensions in key cities."

Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Kathy Smith held several executive level positions with Marriott International, its parent company. Most recently she served as Senior Vice President, Talent Management and Organizational Capability, where she was responsible for Marriott's centers of expertise in talent acquisition, performance management, training, compensation, workplace environment and organizational capability. Before working for Marriott International, Kathy Smith was a consultant for Towers Perrin, a human resources consulting firm.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company currently operates 61 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over 20 projects are under development around the globe with hotel openings planned for Moscow, Ireland, and two in Beijing over the next year.