LONDON, UK, May 13, 2008. Leading 4 and 5 star hotels and conference venues group Principal Hayley today announced that they have appointed Marco Gervasoni as the new General Manager of the Hotel Russell, London.

Marco, who will report directly to Principal Hayley CEO Tony Troy, has over 15 years experience in international hotel management. His previous positions include General Manager of the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel Southampton (2005 to 2008), General Manager of the Marriott Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club (2004 to 2005), and Operations Manager of the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club (2002 to 2004).

A graduate of Oxford Brookes University, with a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Marco began his career at the Sheraton Brussels Hotel and Towers before moving to the Marriot Slough Windsor Hotel where he held a number of positions including Operations Manager.

Marco will oversee the management of the 373 bedroom hotel, restaurant, bars, conference rooms and the purpose built business centre facility ‘Meetings @1-8 Russell Square’.

Tony Troy, CEO of Principal Hayley Hotels and Conference venues commented, “We are delighted to welcome Marco to the Principal Hayley Group and believe his experience in the industry along with his passion and focus will be a tremendous asset to our senior team. Our success as a leading hotel and conference venue group is built on high levels of service, our excellent locations, first class facilities and an uncompromising commitment to quality by our team of dedicated employees. We believe that one of our key strengths is that we encourage creativity and entrepreneurship in our General Managers and empower them to truly manage – they really are the ‘Managing Director’ of their own hotel.”