Blackstone Names Industry Expert Ozgen Cevik Asst GM
CHICAGO, IL, December 22, 2008 - Shakir Hussain, the general manager of The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel, has named Ozgen Cevik assistant manager for the legendary Chicago hotel.
The Blackstone, a Chicago architectural and cultural icon and a national landmark that provided regal lodgings for many of the 20th centurys most famous figures--from a dozen U.S. presidents to Hollywood stars -officially opened on April 30, 2008, after a $128 million showcase restoration.
The Blackstones Shakir Hussain described Mr. Cevik, as uniquely positioned to assist in establishing The Blackstone as a benchmark of excellence in luxury and service:
Mr. Cevik brings impeccable credentials in hotel operations, financial forecasting and in directing upscale food and beverage services to The Blackstone, said Mr. Hussain. His demonstrated expertise will be a key to helping establish The Blackstone as a premier international destination offering a true Chicago guest experience.
In his position as assistant general manager, Mr. Cevik will support Shakir Hussain, the general manager, in providing leadership for the on-going operations of The Blackstone and the overall guest experience.
Most recently, Mr. Cevik was the hotel manager for the Westin in Providence, RI and helped oversee the opening of a new tower housing 200 guest rooms and 103 residences. No stranger to Chicago, Mr. Cevik served as the director of food and beverage at the Conrad Chicago from 2005-2007. In addition, he has held executive posts at luxury boutique hotels including The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI; the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City. His earlier positions have included La Palace Hilton Geneva and Splendide Royal in Switzerland.
Mr. Cevik earned an A.S. degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, a B.S. degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management and a M.S. degree in Marketingall at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. His educational credentials also include the General Managers Program at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, an A.S. degree in Hotel Management at Les Roches in Clarens, Switzerland and wine/sommelier training at LEcole deMay in Alsace France.
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