MARCH 24, 2008. Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the global contemporary luxury hotel brand, has appointed Dirk De Cuyper as General Manager of the new state-of-the-art Conrad Shanghai. Located in the heart of the heritage and entertainment district of Xintiandi, the pre-opening phase of the Conrad Shanghai will commence in August 2008.

With a career spanning fifteen years at Hilton Hotels Corporation, Dirk has extensive experience working in hotel management in Brussels, New York, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Prior to taking on his new role at Conrad Hotels & Resorts, he held the position of General Manager at the Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa on Hainan Island in China since 2005, during which time the resort received a myriad of awards for service and operational excellence.

In the lead up to the opening of the Conrad Shanghai, Dirk will be responsible for appointing a team of experienced professionals to operate the hotel and deliver one of Shanghai’s most luxurious guest experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Koos Klein, President Hilton Hotels Corporation – Asia Pacific, says, “Dirk’s vast experience, including his success in the leading Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa during its opening and the first three years of operation, will ensure a smooth start for the newest addition to the Conrad portfolio.

“The Conrad Shanghai marks the beginning of the Brand’s expansion into mainland China, building on the success of the well-established Conrad Hong Kong, and will be followed by the opening of the Conrad Beijing in 2010.”

The Conrad Shanghai is part of an urban revitalisation project comprising trendy boutiques, restaurants and shops in the vibrant Xintiandi district. The hotel’s ultra-contemporary design has been inspired by traditional Chinese motifs and will feature 362 stylish guest rooms, a chic urban spa, modern meeting and recreational facilities, and seven innovative food and beverage outlets.