Serge SimardSerge Simard was recently appointed Regional Vice President, Eastern Canada and General Manager, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth effective August 4, 2014. Mr. Simard succeeds Richard Payette who retired on June 27th, after 16 years overseeing a portfolio of iconic Fairmont properties in Montréal, Québec City, La Malbaie, Tremblant, Montebello and Ottawa. Mr. Simard will transfer from Nairobi where he has held the position of Regional Vice President, Africa & India since 2009, with overall responsibility for operations of six properties. His 35 years of hospitality experience and extensive Food & Beverage expertise make him perfectly positioned to take the reins of the Eastern Canada region. Originally from Montreal, Serge Simard began his career in 1977 and held several Food & Beverage positions with Hilton International, Loews, Sheraton Hotels and Delta Hotels. He joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 1985, holding progressive positions with The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, including Director, Conference Services & Catering and Director, Food & Beverage. In 1993, Serge transferred to The Fairmont Royal York as Executive Assistant Manager and Director, Food & Beverage. In 1998, he joined the Corporate Office as Executive Director, Food & Beverage and in 2004, was named Vice President, Food & Beverage, overseeing the global management of all Food & Beverage activities. Mr. Simard attended the Advanced Management Program for the Hospitality Industry (AMPHI) at the University of Guelph. In addition, he is a member of the International Food & Beverage Forum.