Joseph A. Durante has been named executive vice president and managing director of Kingsmill Resort, a four-star, four-diamond resort property located in Williamsburg, Va.

Durante has been with Kingsmill since 1995 as the executive chef and director of food and beverage. Kingsmill is the only resort owned and operated by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

“Joe has provided continued support in his assignments and positions during his career at the Kingsmill Resort,” said August A. Busch III, chairman of the board and president of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. “His expertise and knowledge of our operations and his broad range of experience will be a great asset in his new role as executive vice president and managing director,” he added.

With this new opportunity, Durante hopes to instill some of his own personality into the resort`s character and ambiance.

“I believe what most business and social travelers want today is to enjoy themselves, but to do so without all the pretense,” Durante said. “Naturally we`ll continue to spoil our guests with great service, wonderful food, quality golf and our outstanding spa. But most importantly, we are here to help them to just relax and have fun.”

Durante was named to his new position in November 2001. His career in the hospitality industry includes more than 25 years of supervisory and executive positions. During his career, Durante managed numerous successful hospitality operations ranging from upscale boutique catering, to opening large metropolitan convention hotels, from newly debuted properties to well-established, mature facilities.

His career includes positions with Marriott International, The Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans` French Quarter, and the Pfister Hotel and Tower, the five-star crown jewel of Marcus Hotel Corp. Prior to that, Durante oversaw operations with the catering company, Mirabelle, in Dallas` Highland Park Village.

“For many years, Joe Durante has made numerous contributions to the success of Kingsmill Resort and other Anheuser-Busch projects,” said William L. Rammes, chairman and president of Busch Properties, Inc. “He will continue this role in his new position, and I look forward to seeing him lead the property to new levels of service excellence and profitability.”

“At Kingsmill we work as a team,” he said. “We focus on what we do best - our service and quality. I`m extremely proud of our employees and the magnificent property we have the opportunity to manage.”

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