Hospitality veterans Andrew Tilley and
Anthony Amendola have been appointed general manager and director of sales
and marketing, respectively, to head up the team that will facilitate
re-branding and guiding The Paramount Hotel New York through its
transformation to the new Hard Rock Hotel New York. The announcement was
made by Lifestar Hotels, LLC, a joint venture of Sol Melia Hotels &
Resorts and Rank Group, owner of the Hard Rock Brand. During the refurbishment, the hotel will continue to operate as The
Paramount Hotel New York and to be managed by Lifestar Hotels, LLC.
Lifestar Hotels, LLC is a joint venture between Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts
and Rank Group, owner of the Hard Rock brand with the principal objective
of developing Hard Rock hotels in the Americas and Europe. The joint
venture specifies that Sol Melia will be responsible for the management,
marketing and distribution of future Hard Rock Hotels, while Hard Rock
Hotels will take charge of the concept, design and brand development of
affiliated hotels, as well as of the addition of further properties.

According to Andre Gerondeau, executive vice president Central-North
America for Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts, “Both Andrew and Anthony are
dedicated hospitality professionals who have the experience and knowledge
to oversee the hotel’s current operations and to guide its reemergence.
They will provide strong leadership to ensure that the highest standards
are maintained during the renovation period.”

Tilley, a native of Great Britain, began his hospitality career at the
Hilton International in Hong Kong, where he was named “Best Salesman of
the Year.” During his tenure with Hilton, he also worked in Kuwait and
Dubai, and was marketing manager for the Middle East. He went on to hold
prominent executive positions at the Shangri-la Bangkok Glasgow Hilton—
Scotland’s largest hotel—the Balmoral in Edinburgh, and the Hyatt
Carlton Tower in London. Tilley relocated to New York City in 1999 and
became general manager, first of the Empire Hotel New York, and
subsequently of the Chambers Hotel New York. Tilley resides in New Jersey
with his wife and two children. He attended Kelly College in the U.K.

“This is an exciting time for us, and I look forward to reintroducing and
reestablishing the property as a unique, welcoming place that will be an
experience all its own,” said Tilley.

Anthony Amendola brings an impressive background in hospitality sales and
marketing to his new role. Prior to his appointment, he was director of
sales and marketing of The Millennium UN Plaza Hotel. He was also director
of sales and marketing of the Westin Stamford, Conn., where he received
the 1999 Westin Award for most increased revenue per available room for a
renovated hotel. Amendola began his career as a sales manager of the
Hilton Tarrytown, N.Y., and subsequently became director of sales and
marketing of the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in New Jersey, and of the
Sheraton Stamford Hotel. He was responsible for opening the new Sheraton
Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel and for handling sales and marketing
for Caesar’s Atlantic City. Amendola resides in Wilton, Conn. with his
wife and daughter. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova
University.
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