WATERFORD, CT | Waterford Hotel Group has announced the recent appointments of Michael Heaton and Farouk Rajab as regional hotel directors for the national hotel management firm. Waterford Hotel Group professionally manages 26 properties in 9 states, representing more than 3,600 hotel rooms nationwide.

Heaton and Rajab are responsible for overseeing the operations of several Waterford Hotel Group properties including developing and maintaining relationships with ownership and franchise partners, budgeting, associate development, guest satisfaction scores, maintaining Waterford and brand service standards, and the overall performance of the hotels. Heaton will work closely with Terry Bickhardt, co-president of Waterford Hotel Group, in maximizing performance for Waterford's full service portfolio. Rajab's efforts will be directed toward several of Waterford's select service hotels, providing support and direction to the hotel teams at each location.

"Michael and Farouk have enjoyed great success during their tenure with Waterford," commented Terry Bickhardt. "They each bring multi-faceted experience and proven leadership skills to our regional team and we are certain that they will excel in their new roles," he added.

Heaton joined Waterford Hotel Group in 1997 and has held numerous management positions since that time, including general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell and resident manager of the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton. He also previously served as general manager of Waterford-managed properties throughout the United States. Heaton resides in Salem, CT and is the former president of the Connecticut Lodging Association and lodging representative for the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

Rajab joined Waterford in 2005 and most recently served as general manager for the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell, Connecticut. He previously served in a number of positions for Waterford, including rooms division manager at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton and general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in Norwich. Rajab currently resides in Pawcatuck, CT. He has held positions on numerous committees and tourism organizations in the Southeastern CT area, including the Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the Mystic Coast and Country Group and Tourist Information Center.

About Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.

Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford, CT, manages 26 properties in 9 states. Waterford Hotel Group has experience operating virtually every type of hotel property, including limited services properties, all-suite hotels, conference centers, and large full service and resort properties. The company's approach to hotel development and operations is hands-on, and features frequent site visits and constant communication with customers and partners. Additionally, Waterford Hotel Group offers centralized accounting, financial reporting, strategic marketing, human resources, and day-to-day operations management systems to increase market share and profitability at all properties. For more information, visit the company's website at www.waterfordgroup.net.

Lisa M. Beers
(860) 701-9621
Waterford