Hefei, China | Hilton Hotels has appointed veteran industry professional, Markus Kosch, as General Manager of Hilton Hefei, the first upscale hotel in the rapidly growing capital of Anhui Province in China that was opened last February. Mr Kosch succeeds Mr Luc Bollen who managed the hotel from 2006 to July 2008 and now heads Hilton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Mr Kosch joined the Hilton Family in 1997, working in a number of locations across Asia, including Shanghai, Maldives, Nanjing and Beijing. Prior to taking this role, Mr Kosch was Director of Operations at Hilton Beijing where he was instrumental in preparing the hotel for a leading role during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Kosch said, “I am excited to have the chance to work in the most promising Anhui Province of China and lead such an outstanding establishment like Hilton Hefei. Hilton Hefei is a representation of a new breed of Hilton Hotels as it not only has contemporary features, but also reflects the local flavours in the design.”

Mr Kosch has an outstanding tract record in the hospitality industry with over 12 years’ experience in various fields of hotel operations such as the Front Office and Food and Beverage, and with a good command of six languages, he is poised to make an impact on Hefei's largest and most luxurious hotel.

In his new role, Mr Kosch will continue the hard work of his predecessor in the development of the hotel as one of the best business hotels in China. Designed for top level meetings, incentives and conferences, Hilton Hefei has extensive meeting facilities including a 1,600 square metre ballroom, 13 large meeting rooms, an executive boardroom and a business center that is staffed around the clock.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela to career diplomat parents from Bavaria and Germany, Mr Kosch has lived and worked in a number of countries around the world. He studied hotel management to satisfy his adventurous nature and quest to see the world. Also, Markus Kaliss appointed the hotel’s new Director of Operations. Prior to his new appointment, Mr Kaliss worked as Director of Business Development at Hilton Petaling Jaya in Malaysia.

In his new role, Mr Kaliss will oversee the operations of the hotel’s key developments including Engineering, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage and Front Office.

Commenting on the new appointment, Hilton Hefei General Manager Markus Kosch said: “Mr Kaliss’ extensive experience in the hospitality industry is a precious asset to our team. I look forward to Mr Kaliss’ contribution in bringing our world-class operational and service excellence to even greater heights. With such a strong team, I am confident we will further enhance the Hilton Hefei’s reputation as one of the China’s top business hotels.”

Over his over 14-year career in the hospitality industry, Mr Kaliss has spent 11 years in Hilton Hotels such as Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa (now re-branded as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island), Hilton Cardiff and Hilton London Heathrow Airport and worked in several different roles including Front Office, Reservations and Revenue Management.

A German national, Mr Kaliss is fluent in German, English and French.