Benchmark Appoints Awilda Rivera GM Costa d'Este Beach Resort
Vero Beach, Florida
HOUSTON, TX, March 10, 2009 - Benchmark Hospitality International has named Awilda Rivera general manager of Coste d'Este Beach Resort of Vero Beach, Florida. Bob Zappatelli, vice president food & beverage, made the announcement. Mr. Zappatelli has overseen the ocean-side property - a Benchmark Hospitality Personal Luxury ResortTM, since opening in June.
"I am so pleased to welcome Awilda to Costa d'Este Beach Resort," said Mr. Zappatelli. "She brings strong leadership skills to her new role with Benchmark Hospitality, as well as excellent experience operating stylish contemporary resorts that deliver a progressive lifestyle. I'm thrilled she has joined our team."
A hospitality veteran with extensive operational and human resources experience, Awilda Rivera was previously the general manager of Villas Calet'on, Cap Cana of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. She held the same position for the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island off the southwest coast of Florida.
Ms. Rivera has also served in the role of vice president of human resources & training development for Coral Hospitality of Naples, Florida. She started with the company as corporate manager. Earlier in her career, Ms. Rivera gained important food and beverage experience as owner and operator of Amador's Italian Restaurant, an award- winning, four-star fine dining experience located in Naples, Florida.
Awilda Rivera attended Hodges University of Naples, Florida. She has relocated to Vero Beach.
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 
