New Hilton Austin Announces Executive Committee

31 July 2003

Andy Slater, area vice president and general manager of the new Hilton Austin, has announced the members of the hotel`s executive management team. Twelve experienced managers from top hotels across America have been recruited to begin preparations and staffing for the January 2004 grand opening.

“The Hilton Austin will be the city`s premier hotel and that status is reflected in the all-star management team we have assembled,” said Slater. “This team has an impressive track record that will meet the city`s highest expectations.”

The Hilton Austin, located adjacent to the newly expanded Austin Convention Centre, will provide 800 guestrooms, including 25 suites, and will be equipped for both business and leisure travellers. It will feature a 16,000 sq-ft fitness complex with cardio and circuit training, a 48-ft open-air lap-pool, whirlpool spa, sauna and steam room, together with massage therapy and treatment rooms.

The executive management committee will be headed by Slater, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry who has been with the Hilton Family of Hotels since 1988. Slater currently serves on the board of directors of the Austin Hotel Association and the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other members of the management team are:
? HOTEL MANAGER - DOUG GEHRET
Gehret was the director of rooms at The Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and has been with Hilton Hotels Corporation for more than 10 years. He is known for his innovations in efficiency and enhancement of guest services.
? DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING - TYLER MCDONALD
McDonald has been director of sales and marketing for the new Hilton Austin since its announcement. He previously held the same position for the Doubletree Hotel Lincoln Centre in Dallas, and has been with Hilton for four years. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
? DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE - ALEXANDRE CLERC
As director of food & beverage for the Hilton New York, Clerc has repeatedly received high marks for quality and efficiency. He has been with Hilton for seven years.
? EXECUTIVE CHEF - MARK DAYANANDAN
He was executive chef at the Hilton Pittsburgh & Towers. He has demonstrated his culinary arts in Europe, Canada and the United States during his 20-year career. He has planned and executed meals for Presidents Clinton, Bush and Lady Thatcher, plus other heads of state and has also has overseen high-profile galas such as The Grammy Awards.
? DIRECTOR OF MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS - BILL BARAN
Baran was assistant director of meetings and conventions for The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago and has been with Hilton for more than six years. He has nearly 20 years of industry experience and received the company recognition as Meetings & Conventions Manager of the Year for 2002.
? DIRECTOR OF HOUSEKEEPING - HEIDI BRAZL
Brazil was director of rooms at the Red Lion Hotel in Austin and has been with Hilton for 14 years. She has nearly 20 years experience and was named Manager of the Year for the company in 1998.
? DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES - SAM CUEVA
His career in the hospitality industry began in San Antonio 13 years ago and most recently was director of human resources at the Doubletree Hotel Paradise Valley in Scottsdale, Ariz. Cueva has been with Hilton for two years.
? DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY OPERATIONS - DAVID MEEH
Meeh is bringing 10 years of experience in facility maintenance to the new Hilton Austin. He was the director of engineering for the Barton Creek Conference Center & Resort in Austin.
? DIRECTOR OF REVENUE MANAGEMENT - CYNTHIA CESSNA
Cessna was director of revenue management at the Doubletree Hotel® & Conference Center Legacy Town Center-Plano and has been with Hilton for more than five years.
? DIRECTOR OF SALES - ALLEN ALDERMAN
Alderman was the assistant director of sales for the Hilton Palacio del Rio in San Antonio and has been with Hilton for more than 16 years. In 1999 he set the record for room nights booked by a single salesperson. He is a repeat nominee and winner of the ‘Excellence in Sales’ award for exceeding his sales goals.
? DIRECTOR OF FINANCE - JEFF SCOTT
He was director of finance at the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center Legacy Town Center-Plano in Plano, TX and has been with Hilton for 13 years. Scott received the Hilton Pride Award for 2002.
? DIRECTOR OF FRONT OFFICE OPERATIONS - THOMAS LONG
For three consecutive years, Long has increased guest loyalty scores as director of front office operations at the Hilton McLean at Tyson Corner in Virginia. He has been with Hilton seven years.
Slater said the Hilton Austin will be staffed by approximately 500 people in administration, accommodations and restaurant positions by the time the hotel opens its doors next January.