Q: Tell me about your background.
A:At InterContinental I am responsible for the overall
operations and performance of all InterContinental Hotels &
Resorts in North America. I’ve been with InterContinental Hotels
located in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Geneva, Paris
and London. During my time with the company, I’ve opened five
hotels and served as manager and general manager of
InterContinental Hotels in Sydney, Los Angeles and Cleveland, as
well as general manager and regional vice president of operations
at Hotel InterContinental Chicago.
Q: The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City Hotel was
formerly known as the Park Hyatt. What has InterContinental done to
establish itself as the new owners?
A:We manage the hotel on behalf of the owners who have owned the
hotel for 20 years. InterContinental is reviewing and assessing the
property to determine what signature style elements will be
incorporated. During the next 12 months, some basic updating to
soft goods in the public areas and some in-room technology will
occur. Additionally, there has been a multi-million-dollar
commitment over the next three years to make additional renovations
once a full assessment of the property has been completed.
Q: Why did you decide to open an InterContinental Hotel in
Century City?
A:Los Angeles is a strategic global market for the brand. It
also acts as a gateway to Asia, where the brand has a very strong
presence, which has been amplified by the new strategic partnership
with All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Q: Does InterContinental plan to expand in the area?
A:InterContinental San Francisco at Moscone Center the brand’s
second property in San Francisco and InterContinental Montelucia
Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., are scheduled to open their
doors in 2008. The InterContinental Sacramento is planned to open
in 2009. In addition to these Western properties, the
InterContinental Resort & Residence Orlando is scheduled to
open in the fourth quarter of 2010.
