Brussels, Colm O'Callaghan has been appointed General Manager of the 311-room Conrad® Chicago, located between Rush Street and Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
Colm O'Callaghan joins the Conrad Chicago from The Peninsula Chicago, where he held the position of Hotel Manager. With a total of 20 years of experience working for several prestigious establishments in the industry, O'Callaghan brings a wealth of knowledge of the luxury hotel market, together with excellent motivational, organisational and communication skills. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management from Shannon College in Ireland.
In his new role, O'Callaghan will oversee management and day-to-day operations of the third Conrad hotel in the U.S. He will report to Clem Barter, President Conrad Hotels who commented: "We are delighted that Colm O'Callaghan has agreed to take up this new strategic position with Conrad. With his luxury hotel management experience and a good knowledge of the regional market, Colm has all the resources to drive the refurbishment of the Conrad Chicago towards its future as a true, contemporary and fine Conrad hotel."
Chris Hansen has been appointed Executive Hotel Manager of the Conrad Chicago. Hansen, who will report to General Manager, Colm O'Callaghan, will assist in the daily management and operations of the hotel. Chris Hansen offers extensive experience in the hospitality industry, where he has held positions including Restaurant Manager, Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing, Resident Manager and, most recently, Hotel Manager. He joins the Conrad after 6 years at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago where he was responsible for overall hotel operations, capital budgets and annual forecasts. Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from Florida International University.
Plans for a complete repositioning of the hotel are already underway, and once complete, will significantly enhance the luxury experience. Guests will be offered new levels of exemplary service, contemporary decor and luxurious amenities, all synonymous with Conrad hotels worldwide. In addition, special attention will be paid to infusing the hotel with Chicago's rich cultural and artistic flavor.
The Conrad Chicago, previously a Le Meridien hotel, has an exclusive entrance at 521 North Rush Street. The hotel rises above the Westfield North Bridge shopping centre and the Nordstrom department store on North Michigan Avenue. The hotel's favourable location gives it close proximity to The Loop, Chicago's financial district, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the Merchandise Mart.
Conrad Hotels | With award-winning properties in the US, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Egypt, Turkey, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Australia and Uruguay, Conrad has 19 luxury business and resort and spa hotels in exotic and cosmopolitan destinations around the world. Another seven Conrad development projects are planned in the US, Indonesia, China, Thailand and the UAE for future openings between 2006 and 2008. Conrad Hotels offers value to its business and leisure customers by establishing and maintaining the highest levels of service delivery with the renowned 'Conrad Service Culture'. All Conrad Hotels customers benefit from the HHonors loyalty program. Conrad Hotels is a joint venture equally owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International CO.
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