Robert Rechtermann Announced as GM, Conrad New York

25-Year Luxury Hotel Management Veteran Tapped to Oversee Launch of First Conrad Hotel in New York City

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. March 16, 2011

March 15, 2011 - Hilton Worldwide announced the appointment of Robert Rechtermann to general manager of the new Conrad New York, scheduled to open in late 2011. In his new role, Rechtermann will manage staff, operations, sales and budgeting at the 463-room property that is currently undergoing a significant renovation program that will be completed in time for its late 2011 opening when it will be reflagged as a Conrad hotel. During the hotel's renovation phase, Rechtermann will be based in the hotel's pre-opening sales and marketing office located at102 North End Avenue in Battery Park City.

“Robert's experience in the luxury hotel segment makes him the ideal candidate for this position,” said Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president operations, easternNorth America. “His leadership role at the renowned Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan, will translate well into his new position at the Conrad New York as he oversees and guides the hotel through its critical transitional and renovation phase. His expertise in managing major capital improvement programs and his familiarity with the luxury hotel market in New York City is key and we are thrilled to have him as part of our team,” Ratcliff added.

“When the Conrad New York opens, guests will experience a world of style, service and connection in one of the most dynamic cities in the world,” said John Vanderslice, global head, Luxury Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “We are delighted to have Robert on board as our general manager who will not only serve as our brand ambassador but will play an active role in establishing strong ties between the hotel and the local community.”

A native New Yorker, Rechtermann has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, primarily in the luxury segment, with a solid background in hotel leadership and management and a proven track record in renovation programs and food and beverage operations. He has been employed by The Peninsula Hotels for the last five years, most recently serving as general manager of the iconic Five Star, Five Diamond Peninsula Hotel in New York City, overseeing a $35M refurbishment program which included 239 guestrooms and suites, a landmark rooftop bar and five-star spa.

In 2006, he began his tenure with Peninsula as resident manager of the 339-room renowned Peninsula Hotel in Chicago, and a year later accepted the position of general manager at the Peninsula in New York. Prior to his role at Peninsula Hotels, Rechtermann worked for The Ritz Carlton Hotels of Bostonin a myriad of positions, including director of operations at the Ritz-Carlton Boston Common and as director of food and beverage for the Ritz-Carlton Boston.

Before joining Ritz-Carlton, Rechtermann demonstrated effective leadership ability, holding various director of food and beverage positions at both Hilton and other luxury properties throughout the U.S. These included the five diamond Hilton Short Hills, Regency Hotel in New York City, renowned Shutters on the Beach Hotel in Santa Monica and the 392-room Long Beach Hilton, in Long Beach, California. During his tenure at all of these properties, he assisted in generating multi-million dollar food and beverage sales revenues, while increasing growth and efficiency in the hotels' service levels. Rechtermann began his hospitality career at the legendary Waldorf=Astoria Hotel holding key managerial positions in F&B, including the areas of banqueting services and catering sales.

Rechtermann graduated with a bachelor of science degree in hotel management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Rutherford, New Jersey. He currently resides in the metropolitan New York area with his wife and three sons.