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Kelly Steward has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel welcomes Kelly Steward as the new General Manager of the 18-acre oceanfront resort. Steward spent two out of her three decades of hotel experience with The Ritz-Carlton, where she managed revenue management, strategic sales, and operations for several resort and city properties across the nation. In her new role, Steward will lead the brand growth strategy and oversee operations across the Southern Californian resort, celebrated for its 396 modern coastal-inspired guest rooms and suites, diverse culinary program, and unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean across guestrooms, dining outlets, and meetings and event spaces.

Jean Schulte has been appointed as Director of Sales at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

The award-winning AAA Five-Diamond Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Schulte as director of sales with a focus on group and incentive sales. Bringing over 30 years of hospitality expertise, Schulte will provide strategic business development to position the recently refreshed Southern California property as a leader in the region.

Sabrina Schroeter has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach in Dana Point

A hospitality professional with three decades of experience, Schroeter has served in sales roles at hotels across California, including Hotel Karlan San Diego - a DoubleTree by Hilton, The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa, The Riviera Palm Springs, Napa's River Terrace Inn, Embassy Suites LAX North and Ayres Hotel and Suites Costa Mesa. Most recently, she served as the director of sales for DoubleTree Irvine Spectrum, Ca. Schroeter graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations.

Donovan Stephens has been appointed as General Manager at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach

Stephens brings over two decades of experience managing and operating U.S. hotels. He joins HRI Lodging from Chesapeake Hospitality, where he most recently served as general manager of the 342-room DoubleTree Pittsburgh Downtown, Penn. Prior to that, he oversaw operations at Crowne Plaza Resort Lake Placid, N.Y., and Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry by Hilton Collection, Fla. Stephens holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

Sanjay Rawat has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is thrilled to announce Chef Sanjay Rawat as the chef de cuisine of a new, chef-driven culinary program dedicated to Indian weddings. The New Delhi-native brings a decade of international cooking experience with a nuanced understanding of India's multi-faceted culinary landscape. Rawat's program balances tradition with edge, from authentic dishes like New Delhi Gol Gappa to twists on classics with modern flare such as Tandoori Scallops and a Masala Leg of Lamb carving station. Distinctive to Rawat's culinary approach is his imaginative presentation and artistic, multi-coursed plating that allows each dish to beautifully showcase independently. Continuing to strike a balance, guests can enjoy an exquisite plated meal combined with family-style selections as to not take away from the full culinary experience essential to Indian weddings.

Karen Chastain has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Southern California's premier coastal resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, proudly announces the appointment of a new General Manager Karen Chastain, who joins the oceanfront resort from Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino where she served as Complex General Manager. She returns to California, overseeing The Ritz-Carlton's flagship just as the resort unveils a captivating guestroom, suite, and Club Level renovation. With over 28 years of industry experience, she brings a strong leadership foundation with expertise in finance, operations, strategic management, and career development.

Pat Rizco has been appointed as Director of Property Operations at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

With over 30 years of experience at prestigious Southern California resorts, Rizco joins the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club team as director of property operations. Mostly recently, Rizco served as director of engineering at The Resort at Pelican Hill, where he oversaw all maintenance, equipment replacement and renovations on property. Prior to that, Rizco also held director of engineering roles at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Orange County.

George Munz has been appointed as General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

A luxury hospitality veteran with a wealth of experience, Munz joins Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club following 30 years with The Ritz-Carlton brand, where he served as general manager at some of the brand's top resorts and hotels across the United States. Most recently, Munz served as general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. for five years where he repositioned the hotel through a $12 million, two-year room and facilities renovation project, maintained a Five-Diamond rating and hosted presidents, royalty and global leaders at the property. Prior to his role in D.C., Munz served as general manager at The Ritz-Carlton's Half Moon Bay in California and Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. Munz also held roles as a director of sales and marketing and as a hotel manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, also in Orange County. At Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Munz will oversee all aspects of operations in his role as general manager, from day-to-day staff and guest management to serving as an ambassador for the resort and brand leading a team of over 550. Munz holds a bachelor of arts degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Florida State University. He has always been an active member of the communities in which he has worked, serving numerous charitable organizations and most recently serving on the Board of Directors of D.C. Central Kitchen in our nation's capital.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Dana Point, California, With Conversion of Monarch Beach Resort

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brand, today announced the upcoming debut of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, a distinctive 400-room AAA five-diamond hotel in Dana Point, Calif. Purchased by Ohana Real Estate Investors in November 2019, Monarch Beach Resort is a celebrated coastal retreat in relaxed, sun-splashed Orange County.

Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, California, United States of America

The AAA Five Diamond-rated Monarch Beach Resort is a captivating seaside getaway set on Orange County's Dana Point coastline, midway between San Diego and Los Angeles. Known for its luxurious beach house hospitality, the resort features beautifully- appointed guest rooms and suites with spacious living areas and private balconies to take in the ocean breeze. Resort guests enjoy access to a private beach club featuring water sports and ocean-front dining. Monarch Beach Resort is home to the Miraval Life in Balance Spa, offering a host of classes, programs and signature spa treatments. Designed by legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the Monarch Beach Golf Links invites guests to play an exhilarating round on its award-winning, 18-hole oceanfront course.

Hector Rubio has been appointed as Director of Catering and Special Events at Monarch Beach Resort

The newly reimagined AAA Five Diamond beachside getaway, Monarch Beach Resort, today announced the appointment of Hector Rubio as Director of Catering and Special Events. A seasoned professional, Rubio brings 15 years of industry experience to his new role where he will oversee catering and conference services for the 400-room luxury property. The resort debuted June 1 after a transformative $40 million redesign that includes a new Miraval Life in Balance Spa, distinguishing itself among the Southern California hospitality marketplace. Most recently, Rubio served as the director of catering and conference services for Four Seasons Resorts Lanai where he was responsible for all stages of social events, meetings and conferences. Prior to that, he served as the director of catering and convention services at The St. Regis Washington, DC. During his time at The St. Regis Princeville Resort, he was twice recognized by the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association through “Manager of the Year” nominations. Rubio also held catering and conference services management positions at Windsor Court Hotel, W Los Angeles and Park Hyatt Los Angeles. Already an in-demand venue, Monarch Beach Resort offers over 90,000 square-feet of lush botanical gardens, spacious verdant lawns, ocean view terraces and elegant ballrooms as the setting for milestone occasions, both grand and intimate. On-property catering and dining options are available at six ocean-view restaurants, including Chef Michael Mina’s acclaimed Stonehill Tavern and the recently opened, Mediterranean-inspired AVEO Table + Bar. A new Miraval Life in Balance Spa, which includes a Drybar and Deborah Lippmann Nail Salon, offers 24 treatment rooms wherein guests may opt for pre- or post-event pampering from a spa menu inspired by the resort’s coastal location. Originally from Puerto Rico, Rubio earned a psychology degree from the University of Puerto Rico. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Shannon Simpson has been appointed as Pool Bar & Grill Manager at The St. Regis Monarch Beach

It is our pleasure to announce that Shannon Simpson will be joining us in the role of Pool Bar & Grill Manager at the best address effective February 9th 2015. Shannon comes to us with over 10 years of experience working in hotels, 7 of those being working in Food & Beverage Leadership roles. Most recently she was the Food & Beverage Manager for Le Meridien Dallas – The Stoneleigh and prior to that she was the Beverage and Restaurant Manager for the Anaheim Marriott Hotel. Shannon has also worked as an Accounts Receivable Agent and Purchasing Manager for other companies. Shannon possesses a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from the City University Seattle.

Rocco Mastrangelo has been appointed as Director of Group Sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

With more than 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rocco most recently served as Director of Group Sales for The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami and The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. Prior to his positions in sales, Rocco served as Assistant Director of Finance in Key Biscayne. His finance experience also included Assistant Director of Finance at the Kaua’i Marriott Resort and Staff Accountant for Marriott International Lodging.

Shannon Gilbert has been appointed as Director of Sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

With more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she most recently served as director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver. Prior to her appointment in Colorado, she served as associate director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Half Moon Bay. Previously, Ms. Gilbert served as a national sales manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage and director of Northwest sales at La Quinta Resort & Club. Ms. Gilbert holds a degree in Business Administration from College of the Desert, and is a member of Meeting Planners International (MPI) and Insurance Conference Planner Association (ICPA).

Amy Esnault has been appointed as Director of Sales, Leisure and Business Travel at Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Ms. Esnault brings more than 13 years of Ritz-Carlton experience to her position. In her role, she is responsible for the leadership of all leisure and business travel sales for the resort. Esnault has served in sales roles for Ritz-Carlton in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Boston. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and is a member of the National Business Travel Association. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel premiered as the first luxury resort along coastal Orange County in August 1984. Twenty-six years later, the resort is a re-imagined surfside retreat that awakens guests’ senses with its unique ocean-front setting and remarkable service heritage. The resort is the premiere destination for travelers who desire a playful approach to Southern California luxury.