Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has appointed a new general manager at one its most historic hotels, which is preparing to celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2008 after a £35m refurbishment in 2005.

Peter Beckwith has taken up the top position at the Waldorf Hilton in London, effective 18 June 2007, having developed a successful career in hotel management with Intercontinental and latterly at the Thistle Marble Arch. 

Peter, 44, said: “Hilton recently celebrated the one year anniversary of its reunification with some ambitious development plans. Coupled with the Waldorf about to commemorate its centenary, this is truly an exciting time to be joining the company.

“Throughout my career Hilton has had a presence in the various cities where I’ve worked, and I’ve always been attracted to the pride the company has in its heritage and the strength of the brand.

“My first intention will be to look and listen, before focusing on the key priorities of driving quality and guest satisfaction. The hotel already has in
place some wonderful plans to mark its 100 years and I look forward to helping push these forward.” 

Those plans include the reintroduction of Tango Tea, one of London’s most famed events in the 1920s - the first event took place on 10 June and will become a regular fixture on the social calendar.

In addition, work is underway to create a very special centenary suite, which will celebrate the hotel’s rich past of visitors including Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Olivier and Dame Judy Dench.

John Philip, regional vice president at Hilton, said: “The Waldorf is one of our most prized hotels and we’re delighted that Peter, who has a proven track record of entering properties and quickly making a difference, has joined the team.”

Having spent his early childhood in New Zealand and South East Asia before moving to England, Peter’s career to date has seen him working in hotels both in London and the Middle East. 

His first senior hotel position was as Executive Assistant Manager at the award winning Al Bustan Palace InterContinental in Oman in 1992, then hotel manager of the Intercontinental London’s Park Lane property in 1994, before becoming general manager of the Intercontinental Al Ain.

In 2001 Peter was appointed general manager of the Intercontinental Mayfair where he planned the large-scale refurbishment. His last position was as general manager of the Thistle Marble Arch.
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