Dirk De Cuyper Appointed GM of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China, 18 August 2009 - Waldorf Astoria, the global prestigious luxury and lifestyle hotel brand in the Hilton Family of Hotels portfolio, has appointed Dirk De Cuyper as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. The hotel will be located in the heritage building on the famous Bund in Shanghai and is scheduled to open in 2010.
With a career spanning over 15 years at Hilton Hotels Corporation, Dirk has extensive experience working in hotel management in Brussels, New York, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and China. Prior to taking on his new role at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, he held the position of Pre-opening General Manager of Conrad Shanghai, and General Manager at the Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa on Hainan Island in China since 2005, during which time the resort received a myriad of awards for outstanding service and operational excellence.
In the lead up to the opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Dirk will be responsible for appointing a team of experienced professionals to operate the hotel and deliver one of Shanghai's most luxurious guest experiences.
Martin Rink, President Hilton Hotels - Asia Pacific, said, "Dirk's vast experience in the luxury hotel industry, as well as his outstanding leadership qualities, will ensure a smooth start for the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. We are excited about this upcoming property, which will mark the debut of the legendary Waldorf Astoria brand in Asia Pacific."
The 286-room Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund will comprise two buildings. The first will be the heritage building, located at No. 2 on the Bund, which was previously home to the Shanghai Club, an exclusive Gentlemen's Club in the 1920s. Scheduled to open in mid-2010, the heritage building will feature several uniquely designed restaurants and bars as well as a glamorous ballroom and 20 suites. Connected by a courtyard and positioned on Sichuan Road behind the Bund, a new 266-room tower will be completed in early 2011.
The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund will become the first Waldorf Astoria hotel outside United States. It will have three stunning restaurants, two lounges, a bar and a library. Extensive banqueting facilities will aim to position the hotel as the first choice for Meetings as well as wedding receptions in the city. A swimming pool, health club and spa will provide guests with luxury amenities to rest, rejuvenate and relax.
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