Sage Names Michael Lyman as DoM&RS
For Chicago's The Blackstone-A Renaissance Hotel
CHICAGO, IL, December 10, 2008. Shakir Hussain, the general manager of The Blackstone-A Renaissance Hotel, has named Michael Lyman, an industry veteran whose distinguished marketing career includes leadership posts at luxury hotels throughout the United States, as the director of marketing and revenue strategy for this legendary hotel. The Blackstone, a Chicago architectural and cultural icon and a national historic landmark that provided regal lodgings for many of the 20th century's most famous figures--from a dozen U.S. presidents to Hollywood stars -officially opened on April 30, 2008 after lying dormant since 1999.
Sage Hospitality, the Denver, CO-based hospitality firm that manages the four-star property, spearheaded the $128 million showcase renovation of the historic Blackstone, sensitively preserving its architectural legacy while transforming it into a world-class, 332-room luxury hotel with a signature contemporary collection of Chicago art. The Blackstone's Shakir Hussain described Mr. Lyman as an ideal fit to promote The Blackstone's as a premier luxury travel destination that offers guests a true "Chicago" experience:
"Michael Lyman brings an exciting and accomplished track record to the table as well as an outstanding reputation for collaborative marketing and innovative sales initiatives," said Mr. Hussain. "His creativity and profound understanding of the luxury hotel market will be a significant asset in strategically positioning The Blackstone as a premier destination in the international marketplace."
In addition to overseeing all marketing functions for The Blackstone, Mr. Lyman will interface with a new Marriott International sales initiative, SalesForce One, a "customer-centric" sales approach that Sage and Mr. Hussain are instituting for The Blackstone.
Mr. Lyman's accomplished career in the hospitality industry started in 1988 with the Potomac Hotel Group in Washington D.C. where he planned and hosted numerous special events for both Houses of Congress. Since that post, Mr. Lyman has held executive marketing positions at luxury properties on the East Coast including the Algonquin Hotel and the Loews Hotel in New York City. Most recently, Mr. Lyman was recruited to serve as the director of sales, marketing and event management for the upscale JW Marriott Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, MI-the first JW Marriott in the Midwest --, which was awarded the 2007 Marriott "hotel opening of the year".
The recipient of numerous sales and marketing awards, Mr. Lyman is a graduate of Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL He is an active member of many industry organizations and maintains a demanding schedule of civic involvements including the Habitat for Humanity and the March of Dimes.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
