Rocco Forte Hotels has announced the appointment of Gerold Held as general manager for Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg.

Held takes over from Walter Neumann, who after a successful three years at the hotel will move to Moscow to assume his new role as chief executive of Azimut Hotels.

Held has 30 years experience in the hospitality industry. 

He brings a wealth of management experience to the new role and joins the company from the Grand Hotel Taschenbergpalais, Kempinski Dresden where he was general manager.

His appointment sees him returning to St Petersburg where from 2005 to 2008, he was general manager at the Corinthia Nevskij Palace Hotel.

Commenting on the appointment, Ivan Artolli, Rocco Forte Hotels operations director UK, Belgium and Russia said: “We are delighted that Gerold will be taking the helm at Hotel Astoria.

“He brings with him a great blend of hospitality expertise and Russian market knowledge, which will prove invaluable in leading this iconic hotel.”

In his new role, Held is tasked with managing the day to day operation of the iconic 169-room luxury hotel as well as overseeing the management of sister property, the Angleterre Hotel.

Held joins Hotel Astoria at the end of its landmark centenary year during which the property has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, culminating in the completion of the 3,500sq ft Czar Suite, 50 junior suites and the opening of the new Astoria Café and Lichfield Bar.

A city landmark for the last century, Hotel Astoria has welcomed many illustrious guests through its doors over the years and is perfectly located on St Isaac’s Square overlooking St Petersburg’s famous cathedral, within strolling distance over the city’s numerous historic attractions.