Irvine Company Names Richard R. Evanich MD of Hotel in Newport Beach, CA
NEW PORT BEACH, CA, January 6, 2009 - Irvine Company Resort Properties has named seasoned hospitality executive Richard R. Evanich the new managing director of Island Hotel Newport Beach, a AAA Five Diamond property set amidst five lush acres in the heart of Newport Center.
A savvy and astute hotelier, Evanich was previously with Ritz-Carlton Hotels for seven years. During his tenure, he served as general manager for some of the company's finest hotels, and played a key role in helping The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park attain the coveted AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star status. He also lent his considerable business acumen to The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park and The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common.
In addition, Evanich served as director of food and beverage for the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, where he oversaw a major renovation of the property's food and beverage operations. He was also the director of food and beverage at the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco and director of operations of the Westin Cincinnati and the Westin Maui.
At Island Hotel, Evanich will oversee day to day operations for the luxurious 20-story property, a Newport Beach landmark that continually garners public and critical acclaim for its gracious service and stellar amenities.
"Rick is an exceptionally talented and well-respected hospitality executive with expertise in the luxury arena and a true appreciation for the hotel's role in the community," said Ralph Grippo, president of Irvine Company Resort Properties. "We are thrilled to have him join our team as we take Island Hotel, already the finest business hotel in Orange County, to even higher levels of excellence."
In addition to his experience as a hotel executive, Evanich is a highly-trained and accomplished chef. He studied culinary arts in Italy, France and Scottsdale, Ariz., and has worked as an executive chef at various high profile resorts, among them the Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, the Maui Marriott Resort and the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. He is a native of Wisconsin.
Since the Irvine Company assumed management of Island Hotel in 2005, key enhancements have been made to the property, among them extensive guestroom upgrades, including the addition of HD Sony Plasma televisions, Bose 321 sound systems and IPod connectors; a complete refurbishment of the hotel's top 11 elegant suites; enhanced lobby and function spaces; freshly redone interiors for Palm Terrace, the hotel's signature dining venue and lounge; and lush new landscaping at the hotel's entrance. In addition, wireless Internet access is now available throughout the hotel's public spaces and guestrooms, and is complimentary. The hotel has consistently received the AAA Five Diamond Award, one of only 16 in the state.
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 
