John Hutar Appointed GM of Sofitel San Francisco Bay
REDWOOD CITY, CA, February 24, 2009 - After a three year departure from San Francisco, hotelier John Hutar will return to the Bay Area as the new General Manager of the Sofitel San Francisco Bay, according to Jean-Christophe Gras, Regional Vice President of Hotel Operations for Sofitel Luxury Hotels.
According to Hutar, "I am very pleased to be back in the Bay Area, a destination that has been my home for so many years. Additionally, it is an honor to join the Sofitel brand of luxury, which is inspired by the rich history of French tradition and hospitality." He continues, "Sofitel is highly regarded for its legacy of uncompromising quality with luxury hotels in the world's most attractive destinations, blending its French origins with the very best of local culture. Together with my team, we will continue to personify the company's objective to provide guests with the best possible experience, delivering memorable moments throughout their stay with us."
Most recently, Hutar was the Vice President of Hotel Operations at the MGM Grand Detroit, a position he assumed in April 2006 as the hotel project's first employee. Hutar was responsible for the development and opening of this property, which made its debut on October 2, 2007. Named "Development of the Year 2007" by the 2008 Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), one of the "Top 10 new U.S. hotels of 2007" by Gayot and one of "53 places to visit in 2008" by The New York Times as part of the Detroit destination, MGM Grand Detroit is the city's first and only downtown hotel, gaming and entertainment destination built from the ground up.
Prior to his move to the Midwest, Hutar was a major influence in the San Francisco tourism industry. In addition to his nine years at 532-room Hotel Nikko San Francisco, as Vice President and General Manager, Hutar was also President of the San Francisco Hotel Council; served on the executive committee and on the board for the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau; and was a board member of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
During his term at the Hotel Council, Hutar helped lead the push for San Francisco to address problems surrounding homelessness and panhandling. Additionally, Hutar participated on the Mayor's Taxi Task Force whose findings ultimately reformed San Francisco's taxi industry.
Growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, Hutar attended Cleveland State University to obtain a BS degree in Computer and Information Science. While in Michigan, Hutar was a guest lecturer at Michigan State University's School of Hospitality Business. He and his wife Lisa have three children and are excited to again be living in the Bay Area.
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