MLA Places Julie Aslaksen as EVP, General Counsel and Secretary for Host Hotels

Hanover, MD (November 25, 2019) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world’s leading legal search firm, today announced the placement of Julie Aslaksen as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for Host Hotels in Bethesda, MD. The search was led by Deborah Ben-Canaan, partner and head of MLA’s In-House Counsel Practice in Washington, D.C.

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HST) is the largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. The company currently owns 75 properties in the United States and five properties internationally, totaling approximately 46,500 rooms.

In her new role, Julie will serve as the senior legal executive for Host, directing all of the company’s legal affairs and providing advice on legal and strategic business issues to senior management and the board of directors. She will also manage all legal issues surrounding corporate finance and capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, litigation, and contracts as well as oversee the compliance function, manage an internal team and have direct oversight of Host’s external law firm relationships.

“Julie came highly recommended to me by several others in the legal community due to her extensive operational and corporate expertise as well as her significant board, governance and securities experience,” said Deborah Ben-Canaan. “Julie was an extremely impressive candidate with a perfect combination of in-house and law firm experience. She is a decisive leader and trusted business advisor whom I believe will be a huge asset for Hotel Hotels.”

Before joining Host Hotels, Julie served as vice president and general counsel for General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT). She was responsible for the company’s legal strategy and oversaw all legal affairs, including litigation, investigations and the negotiation of significant business transactions. Prior to joining GDIT, Julie spent more than a decade with General Dynamics Corporation, where she most recently served as staff vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary. Julie started her career as a corporate and finance associate with Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky LLP in Washington, D.C.

Julie earned her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law and her B.A. from the College of William & Mary.