Wolfgang Hultner, CEO, The Americas, Mandarin Oriental Management (USA) Inc., has announced the appointment of Albert Mertz as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Riviera Maya, Mexico which is scheduled to open in December 2005.  Mertz was instrumental in the successful opening of Mandarin Oriental, Miami, where he held the dual role of Resident Manager and Director of Food & Beverage for the past four years.  His leadership helped earn the hotel, and its fine dining restaurant Azul, the 2004/2005 AAA Five Diamond award—the only hotel in Miami to be honored in both categories.

“Albert Mertz’ opening expertise, in addition to his bicultural background and solid operational skills will prove invaluable for Mandarin Oriental’s first hotel opening in Latin America at the end of 2005,” Hultner said.

Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Mertz was the Hotel Manager of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel and a Corporate Trainer for Ritz Carlton properties around the world.  Mertz’s career spans 15 years in the hotel industry and includes pre-opening and opening experience at luxury properties in America, Asia, Japan, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.
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