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Appointment

Andrew (Drew) Schlesinger has been appointed as General Manager at the InterContinental New York Times Square

With 34 years of experience, Schlesinger has served as general manager and director of operations in major metropolitan cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. He first joined IHG in 1997 and served as General Manager for two IHG properties in New York City - the InterContinental Central Park South and the Crowne Plaza Manhattan - until 2003. With a sense of pride for the Big Apple, Schlesinger has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results and maintaining high guest satisfaction. Immediately prior to re-joining IHG, Schlesinger oversaw operations of the The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City; managed the pre-opening and grand opening of 70 Park Avenue Hotel, Kimpton Hotels & Resorts' first hotel in New York City; and served as general manager of Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles, an Ian Schrager Hotel. Schlesinger is a graduate of Boston University. Complimenting Schlesinger's management experience, Hodgson is no stranger to the hotel business with nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience. Beginning her career in London, her native home, then moving to Boston and New York City, Hodgson has worked with hotels companies across the industry, including IHG, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Langham Hotels International. Most recently, Hodgson served as Director of Sales and Marketing at the InterContinental New York Barclay. She began with IHG in 1995 working with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.

IHG
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Samantha Steckbeck has been appointed as Vice President – Leisure Sales, The Americas at The Oberoi Group

Ms. Steckbeck is in charge of The Group’s relationship with industry trade partners including tour operators and travel consortiums such as Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network and American Express Travel. Ms. Steckbeck reports to Mr. Alistair Ballantine, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing – The Americas. Ms. Steckbeck’s immediate focus is to develop and implement a comprehensive leisure sales strategy that encompasses the luxury ‘Oberoi’ hotels, resorts and cruisers in India, Egypt, Mauritius and Indonesia. She is based at The Group’s office in New York. Ms. Steckbeck’s experience in the travel industry spans more than fifteen years. She joins The Oberoi Group from her position as Director of Sales - Retail Accounts, North America, Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises. In this position, Ms. Steckbeck managed all corporate sales relationships with travel networks such as AMEX Centurion, AMEX Fine Hotels and Resorts, Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network and Andrew Harper Alliance. She also assisted in creating the company’s travel agent loyalty program, “The Bellini Club” in 2006, doubling the business from these agencies. Prior to joining Orient-Express Hotels in 2003, Ms. Steckbeck had been the Manager of Worldwide Sales - Corporate and Travel Industry for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Chicago and Los Angeles, where she achieved forty percentage above target in developing new business for existing and developing hotels.

Oberoi
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

David Lopez has been appointed as General Manager at Cassa NYC Hotel and Residences

David Lopez brings more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry with 12 of those years being served in the New York City marketplace. Beginning with his first appointment as General Manager of The Rogers Williams Hotel in New York City, Lopez comes to Cassa NYC from the San Juan Water and Beach Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he was the General Manager. David has experienced success in managing boutique hotels, which will prove a valuable asset as he sets his sights on the Spring 2010 opening date for the five-star luxury, 166-room Cassa NYC Hotel and Residences. David joined Desires Hotels in January 2006 as General Manager of Hotel Mela in New York City and has since become a valuable member of the management team. “Cassa NYC is an important project for Desires Hotels as we continue to expand in different markets. We are excited to have David back in New York City spearheading this venture,” says Raul Leal, President of Desires Hotels.

Desires Hotels™
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Sylvia Lima has been named General Manager at The New Yorker Hotel

Mrs. Lima is a veteran travel and hospitality industry executive with more than 25 years of experience and becomes the first female to hold the position of general manager at The New Yorker Hotel. Mrs. Lima brings a new high-energy profile to the position and intends to lead the staff of more than 500 employees in providing a superior level of quality service that meets the needs of both business and leisure guests. Prior to her current position of general manager, which took effect on July 1, 2009, Mrs. Lima served as controller and, more recently, as chief financial officer during her 14 years with The New Yorker Hotel. Before joining the hotel team in 1995, Mrs. Lima worked in various industry arenas providing her with a broad spectrum of business experience, including nine years at the publishing company News World Communications, Inc., which represents various national magazines and newspapers, including The Washington Times. She has also served as controller in various industry-related organizations, including three years at the wholesale company ILHWA as well as several years with Go Transportation, Inc., a tour and travel company.

The New Yorker Hotel
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

David Lopez has been appointed as General Manager at Cassa NYC Hotel and Residences

Desires Hotels, the unique collection of independently created modern boutique hotels, has announced the appointment of David Lopez as the General Manager of the 42-story Cassa NYC Hotel and Residences in New York City. In this role, Lopez will maximize production from all levels of hotel operations, implement revenue generation strategies, coordinate marketing and branding functions — all while ensuring compliance of Desires Hotels’ service standards. David Lopez brings more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry with 12 of those years being served in the New York City marketplace. Beginning with his first appointment as General Manager of The Rogers Williams Hotel in New York City, Lopez comes to Cassa NYC from the San Juan Water and Beach Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he was the General Manager. David has experienced success in managing boutique hotels, which will prove a valuable asset as he sets his sights on the Spring 2010 opening date for the five-star luxury, 166-room Cassa NYC Hotel and Residences. David joined Desires Hotels in January 2006 as General Manager of Hotel Mela in New York City and has since become a valuable member of the management team. “Cassa NYC is an important project for Desires Hotels as we continue to expand in different markets. We are excited to have David back in New York City spearheading this venture,” says Raul Leal, President of Desires Hotels.

KVD Communications
New York City, New York, United States
Appointment

Alistair Ballantine has been appointed as VP Sales and Marketing, The Americas at The Oberoi Group

Effective 1st November 2009, Mr. Ballantine will be in charge of The Group’s current and future portfolio of hotels, resorts and cruisers under the luxury ‘Oberoi’ and five-star ‘Trident’ brands. Mr. Ballantine will be responsible to Mr. Liam Lambert, President for Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Mr. Rattan Keswani, President for Trident Hotels. Mr. Ballantine’s immediate task will be to build a sales team that covers both the leisure and business segments. He will be based at The Group’s office in New York. Mr. Alistair Ballantine’s experience in the travel industry spans more than 30 years. He will join The Oberoi Group from his current position as Director of Sales and Marketing, Orient-Express Hotels Trains and Cruises. Prior to joining Orient-Express Hotels in 2005, Mr. Ballantine had been the Chief Executive Officer of Shackelton & Frontiers, a fly fishing lodges and travel company. From 1978 to 2003, Mr. Ballantine served as President, United States of America and Group Chief Marketing Officer, Abercrombie & Kent International, Inc. In 1995, he assumed additional responsibility as Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent – United Kingdom and Europe.

Oberoi
New York, New York, United States
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Appointment

Andrew Helliwell has been appointed as Executive Chef at Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center

Andrew Helliwell received his culinary education in England and is a graduate of Granville College, located in Sheffield, England, as well as Commis de Cuisine, a special culinary apprenticeship of the landmark Savoy Hotel in London. Chef Helliwell was previously executive chef for Floral Terrace Caterers of Floral Park, New York. He has also served as executive chef for Harbor Links Country Club of Port Washington, New York, and Morell’s of Woodbury, located in Woodbury, New York. For nearly a decade, Mr. Helliwell was executive chef for the Port Jefferson Country Club of Port Jefferson, New York. Prior to this, he served in the same role for Thatched Cottage Caterers in Centerport, New York. Earlier in his career, Chef Helliwell was employed as sous chef by the Rhiga Hotel in Manhattan. His first professional culinary position was as executive garde manger for Huntington Town House in Huntington, New York. Andrew Helliwell has received first place honors with Societe Culinaire Philantropique. He is a recipient of the New York Guild of Chefs Medal of Honor. Chef Helliwell resides in Commack, New York.

Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center
Glen Cove, New York, United States
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Appointment

Cynthia Stanley has been named General Manager at Holiday Inn Albany

Ms. Stanley’s extensive background in hospitality includes previously serving as the general manager of the luxurious Woodcliff Hotel and Spa in Fairport, N.Y., for three years. The 234-room property features a lavish spa, 9-hole regulation golf course, fine dining and full service health club. She also served as the general manager of Racine Marriott in Racine, Wis., Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti, Mich., and Sheraton Inn in Dunkirk, N.Y. Ms. Stanley is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business. “I’m excited to join such a well-known and significant property in the region,” said Stanley. “The hotel’s proximity to popular tourist destinations, reputation as an ideal hotel for business travellers, extensive meeting and event spaces and beautifully appointed guestrooms and lobby make it an exciting property.”

Holiday Inn Albany
Albany, New York, United States
Appointment

Michaelangelo L’Acqua has been appointed as Global Music Director at W Hotels Worldwide

W Hotels Worldwide, the industry innovator, today announces the appointment of renowned international music expert Michaelangelo L’Acqua as W Hotels’ first ever Global Music Director. In this role, L’Acqua will serve as a strategic advisor for the W brand, strengthening W Hotels’ presence within the music community in new and exciting ways, including producing the soon to be released seventh edition W Hotels CD, attracting partnerships within the music industry, and identifying ways to further integrate music into the W guest experience globally. For more than 10 years, with the opening of the first W Hotel in New York City in 1998, W has continually broken new ground through innovative and first-of-their-kind music programs and partnerships. As W Hotels continues to grow globally, more than doubling its current portfolio of 33 hotels by 2011, the contemporary lifestyle brand has engaged L’Acqua to ensure this passion for entertainment is integrated in authentic and original ways, positively impacting the guest experience in its hotels worldwide.

W Hotels Worldwide
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Alfred Leuthold has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Glen Cove Mansion Hotel

Fred Leuthold was previously director of sales and marketing for the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, located in Stamford, Connecticut. In this role, he actively participated in the rebranding of the property as a certified meeting facility by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). The leading professional organization governing the multi-billion dollar conference center industry on five continents, IACC is the recognized authority on the critical elements of the Total Meeting Experience, and counts Glen Cove Mansion Hotel and Conference Center as one of its charter members. Mr. Leuthold also served as regional director of sales and marketing for Highgate Hotels, LLC, with a particular focus on the Paramount Hotel, Radisson Lexington Hotel and the Doubletree Metropolitan, all based in Manhattan. In this role he experienced significant success increasing corporate transient and group business for each property. He held the same position for Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts of New York City where his market focus was North America. Here his responsibilities included leading the sales and marketing programming for the New York Hilton, the Millennium Hilton, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and The Waldorf Towers.

Glen Cove Mansion Hotel
Łódz, New York, United States
Appointment

David Martin has been appointed as General Manager at Faculty House of Columbia University

A graduate of Johnson and Wales University, he was most recently the director of food and beverage at the Parker Meridien Hotel in New York City. Prior to that, Martin worked at several high-end New York City properties in food and beverage operations including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Battery Park, the Drake Hotel and the Waldorf-Astoria. During the 18-month renovation, the Faculty House’s 38,000 square feet of meeting and function space has been completely retrofitted inside to support 21st-century technology. Nearly 75 percent of the materials from the original structure were refurbished, re-purposed, recycled or donated during the renovation. Originally designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White (1923), this red brick and limestone building has served as a gathering place for social and intellectual interaction among Columbia University faculty for decades. Over the years, Faculty House has evolved to serve the needs of university administrators, alumni, graduate students, the local community and guests from around the world.

Faculty House of Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Gary Schweikert has been appointed as General Manager at Jumeirah Essex House

In New York, Gary Schweikert has been appointed as the new general manager of Jumeirah Essex House, as well as regional vice president of operations for the Americas. Schweikert joins Jumeirah from the Flagship Hospitality Group LLC. He has previously worked as managing director of the world-famous Plaza Hotel in New York, and regional vice president for Fairmont Hotels, and has held several senior management positions within Hilton Hotels Corporation. "We are pleased to announce these latest management appointments within the Jumeirah team. These accomplished hoteliers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge which will help us manage the landmark hotels and deliver the exceptional service the Jumeirah brand is known for worldwide" said Frank van der Post, COO of Jumeirah Group.

Jumeirah
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Kevin Croke has been named Sales and Marketing Executive of The Year at HSMAI Greater New York Chapter

The Greater New York chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has named Kevin Croke as the Sales and Marketing Executive of The Year for 2009. Croke is one of eight individuals being recognized for outstanding work and dedication to the sales and marketing profession. He will be honored at a black tie gala awards ceremony on June 11, 2009 at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York. As Director of Sales and Marketing for The Roosevelt Hotel NYC, Croke is responsible for the overall sales and marketing efforts for this 1,015-room midtown hotel that boasts more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space. With more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Croke, of West Orange, NJ, has been with The Roosevelt Hotel since 1999. He is responsible for developing new business and industry partners, as well as maintaining and increasing hotel revenues. Prior to joining The Roosevelt Hotel, he was director of sales and marketing at the 561-room 4 star Millennium Hilton Hotel in New York. During that time he orchestrated revenue strategies amounting to annual sales of over $50 million.

HSMAI Greater New York Chapter
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Linda Pavlik has been appointed as Director of Sales at Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/ Fishkill

Hotel management company RGH Hospitality is pleased to announce that Linda Pavlik has joined the Hilton Garden Inn Fishkill’s team as its new Director of Sales. RGH Hospitality is handling all aspects of the hotel’s operations on behalf of its owner, Roedel Companies. Ms. Pavlik joins the Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill from the Residence Inn by Marriott in Fishkill where she was the Sales Manager. Ms. Pavlik holds a B.S. in Business Management and Information Technology from Suny Empire State. She resides in New Windsor, NY.

Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/ Fishkill
Fishkill, New York, United States
Appointment

Stephane Becht has been appointed as Executive Chef at The Pierre (a TAJ Hotel)

Celebrated for his ability to create innovative culinary programs in diverse luxury settings, Chef Becht's 29-year career features a veritable who's who of award-winning destination dining in Europe, the U.S. and the Caribbean at noted restaurants, luxury hotels and a fleet of cruise ships, including the Michelin-starred Taillevent, Lucas-Carton, Auberge de L'ill and La Couronne in France; La Grenouille in New York; L'Orangerie in Los Angeles; The Ocean Club at the One and Only Resort, Bahamas, and the Delano in Miami.

The Pierre (a TAJ Hotel)
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Persida Mitic has been promoted to Government Sales Manager at The New Yorker Hotel

In her new position as government sales manager, Mitic will coordinate and maintain relationships with Federal Government, New York State and New York City meeting and transient government traveler clients which The New Yorker Hotel can now actively pursue since it has received its FEMA certification following the installation of a state-of-the-art, life-safety system. Mitic first joined The New Yorker Hotel team in 2005. Prior to accepting this position, she was the assistant to the hotel's director of sales & marketing, a role Vargas has moved into.

The New Yorker Hotel
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Alistair MacLean has been appointed as Managing Director at The NoMad Hotel

igned by internationally-acclaimed interior decorator Jacques Garcia, The NoMad Hotel will be the city’s first LEED-certified renovated hotel, and will bring a new identity to this currently unidentified area in the heart of Manhattan. Positioned on a historic block of Broadway at 28th Street, The NoMad Hotel is slated to open in winter of 2009. With almost 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, MacLean has joined The NoMad Hotel after a successful tenure as Director of Operations of Andre Balazs Properties, which included the roles of General Manager/Partner at Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island, New York, and General Manager of The Raleigh Hotel in Miami. While with Andre Balazs Properties, MacLean was also responsible for overseeing additional boutique properties which included The Standard Hotel, located in Downtown Los Angeles, Sereno Beach Hotel, located in Saint Barthelemy, and the opening of New York City’s Hotel QT. MacLean began his career working with the Savoy Group of Hotels and Restaurants in London, England where he had participated in its world-renowned five-year management training program. While with the Savoy Group, MacLean trained with distinguished hotels including Claridges, The Savoy, The Berkeley and The Connaught. He later moved to the famed Ritz Hotel, London, where MacLean was responsible for ensuring the efficiency of front office operations and guest services. MacLean later relocated to Saint-Tropez in the South of France, where he began as Assistant Restaurant Manager of Hotel Le Yaca and, ultimately, was named General Manager, responsible for overseeing the 16th century, 27-bedroom, five-star boutique hotel.

The NoMad Hotel
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Ronan Henaff has been appointed as General Manager at The Setai, New York

Prior to the opening of The Setai, New York, Henaff will direct, manage and oversee the launch of all operations at the property. Henaff and his executive team will launch the opening of SHO Shaun Hergatt restaurant, The Setai Club and The Setai Spa featuring Daniela Steiner. The restaurant, which is open to the public, will ready be in February 2009. The exclusive club and spa, which will cater to the most discerning “who’s who” of Manhattan, is scheduled to open in March 2009. With 16 years of hospitality experience, Henaff has an extensive record of achievement in hotel and restaurant management in New York City, California and Paris, France. Prior to joining Cipriani Club 55 Wall Street, he served as the Director of Food and Beverage at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City as well as the Food and Beverage Manager for the Ritz-Carlton in New York, San Francisco and Marina Del Rey, California. Under his management his restaurants and hotels, at his various positions, Henaff has won “Best New Restaurant of the Year” by four major publications, including Departures, Travel and Leisure, Esquire, Zagat Survey and has won the prestigious “5 Star Diamond Award 2003” from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Henaff received his Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Food Administration from the world-renowned hospitality school Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne in France.

The Setai, New York
New York, New York, United States
Appointment

Justin Bogle has been appointed as Executive Chef at Gilt Restaurant at The New York Palace

Bogle has already established himself as a culinary force, having collaborated with Gilt’s former Executive Chef Christopher Lee since 2004 when they worked together at the Striped Bass in Philadelphia. Bogle went on to join Lee at Gilt where he’s served as Executive Sous Chef since 2006. A graduate of The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Bogle has worked in other renowned Philadelphia restaurants including Alma de Cuba. He is currently in the kitchen and his contributions to Gilt’s menu will continue to evolve. David Carmichael will carry on as the Executive Pastry Chef, continuing to complement Bogle’s brilliant savories with his vibrant and inventive style. The front of the house staff will continue under the leadership of Restaurant Director Christopher Day who has also built one of the most ambitious restaurant tea programs in the country, offering 65 selections and a wide variety of seasonal and limited special offerings.

Dorchester
New York, New York, United States