Fairmont Appoints RVP, California and GM Fairmont San Francisco

Thomas Klein

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. October 14, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, February 29, 2008. Thomas A. Klein brings nearly three decades of hospitality leadership to his new position as regional vice president, California for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and general manager of the brand's flagship property, The Fairmont San Francisco.

In addition to managing The Fairmont San Francisco, he will oversee all Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in California; including The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, The Fairmont San Jose, The Fairmont Newport Beach and The Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica.

In his previous leadership roles with international hotel companies, including Swiss^otel Hotels and Resorts and Raffles International Limited, he developed operational standards for these brands and was pivotal in the acquisition of new properties and management contracts. Having operated premier hotels around the world, Klein brings keen insight into the services and amenities most prized by the global traveler.

"I am delighted to join Fairmont Hotels & Resort during this exciting time as the company expands its presence in key destinations throughout the world. I am especially pleased to oversee the iconic Fairmont San Francisco, which has defined hospitality for more than a century, and to guide the landmark hotel to new heights of luxury and guest satisfaction," states Regional Vice President and General Manager Thomas Klein.

Most recently, Klein functioned as regional vice president, The Americas for Swiss^otel Hotels and Resorts. While serving as general manager of Swiss^otel Chicago, he oversaw properties in Lima, Peru and Quito, Ecuador. During his tenure in this position, he was appointed Chicago's "Hotelier of the Year" by the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and a property within his region, Swiss^otel Quito, was named the second best hotel in South America by Travel & Leisure in 2006.

As senior vice president, The Americas for Raffles International Limited from 2001 to 2003, he oversaw the operations of six hotels (Swiss^otel/Raffles) in North America and two hotels in South America totaling 2,800 guest rooms and 3,000 employees. In this capacity, he was actively involved in the successful purchase of Swiss^otel Hotels and Resorts by Raffles Holdings.

From 1998 through 2001, Klein served as senior vice president, Africa for Movenpick Hotels & Resorts which operates premium hotels throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. At the same time, he acted as chief executive officer and managing director for Karos Hotels Limited, which was publicly listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and of which Movenpick was a majority shareholder.

Previously, he held general manager positions at The Ritz Carlton Sydney (1989-1992); Hayman Resort (1992-1995), a private island resort nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and North Queensland in Australia; and The Palace Hotel (1995-1996) in Sun City, South Africa; before being appointed chief executive officer of Simola Golf & Country Estate in Knysna, South Africa in 1996.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Boston University, Klein embarked on a hospitality career with Hyatt Hotel Corporation where he worked in positions of increasing responsibility from 1981 to 1988, when he joined the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC.

Klein was born in Bonn, Germany and lived there until the age of three, at which time, he and his family moved to Australia. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and will soon be joined by his wife and two children. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes to golf and play tennis.