Naples Grande Beach Appoints Rudy Gonnella Nat'l Account Manager, Southeast
474-room Waldorf Astoria Resort,
NAPLES, FL - February 16, 2011 - Naples Grande Beach Resort, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, today announced the appointment of Rudy Gonnella as national accounts manager, Southeast. In this role, Gonnella will orchestrate meetings and incentive programs for area companies, associations and other groups that require more than 31 rooms per night at the 474-room eco-smart beach retreat on Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast. He previously spent two years as the Naples Grande director of catering and conference services.
Frank Cavella, managing director, sales and marketing, Naples Grande Beach Resort, said, “We're delighted to have Rudy 'come home' to Naples Grande. His outgoing personality and extensive knowledge of our resort, the industry, and the latest culinary and conference trends will be tremendous assets to our meetings and incentive clients.”
Gonnella brings more than 25 years of experience to his new role at Naples Grande, developing interactive meetings, conferences and incentive gatherings that take full advantage of the resort's 48,000-square-feet of dedicated meeting space, Golden Door® spa, championship golf and tennis, and three miles of pristine Gulf beach adjoining a 200-acre mangrove estuary and preserve. In addition to his previous tenure at the resort, his prior experience includes serving as director of catering & conference services for Florida's Amelia Island Plantation; as sales manager with LXR for its Sanibel Island collection of hotels; and eight years as director of banquets with Orient Express Hotels at Charleston Place, South Carolina. He began his career in hospitality in 1986 as part of the team opening the Ritz-Carlton Naples. He holds a degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
To reach Gonnella, please call him at 239-597-6016 or via e-mail at rudy.gonnella@hilton.com.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria is Hilton Worldwide's luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand's namesake, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrement that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.
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