Chinese online travel company eLong.com (LONG) announced the appointment of Tom SooHoo as CEO of eLong. Former CEO Justin Tang is resigning to pursue private equity investment opportunities.

Tang will remain as Chairman of the eLong Board of Directors. Mr. SooHoo's appointment as CEO was effective January 23, 2006.

"Tom SooHoo brings extensive retailing, consumer marketing and general management experience to the eLong team, experience developed while in senior leadership roles at McDonald's China and Nike China. We're really excited to have him coming on board," said Barney Harford, member of the eLong Board of Directors and President of Expedia Asia Pacific, which owns 52% of eLong.

"As eLong's founder, Justin Tang has had a dramatic impact on the travel industry in China. eLong has literally transformed the way Chinese travelers plan and purchase travel, empowering them in a way that was unimaginable ten years ago. We thank Justin for his contributions and look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his role as Chairman of the eLong Board of Directors," continued Harford.

"I am thrilled to be joining eLong at this exciting stage in the company's development," said Tom SooHoo. "eLong's current strength combined with our deep relationship with Expedia, the largest online travel company in the world, positions us extremely well to take advantage of the tremendous growth potential of the travel market in China. The opportunity ahead of us is immense."

Prior to joining eLong, Tom SooHoo was Managing Director, South China Region for McDonald's China, overseeing the management of over 325 restaurants and a team of 25,000 employees. SooHoo joined McDonald's China in November, 2002.

Prior to McDonald's China, SooHoo served as General Manager, Nike Southeast Asia from June 2001 to July 2002, and Sales and Retail Development Director, Nike China from January 1998 to June 2001.