Dorchester Collection UK Properties Five Executive Appointments

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. September 25, 2012

London - September 25, 2012 - Dorchester Collection UK properties introduce a number of new executive appointments that will shape future success in the diverse operations of its iconic, luxury hotel addresses, including The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London and Coworth Park in Ascot. The newest members of Dorchester Collection bring talent and experience to culinary, housekeeping and sales, including:

Stephane Lafon - Director of Food and Beverage, The Dorchester

With experience earned at some of the finest luxury hotels across the U.S., Stephane Lafon oversees one of London's most exciting dining destinations as Director of Food and Beverage at The Dorchester. Previously, he was Food and Beverage Operations Manager at the Hilton Group. Lafon spent 20 years in food and beverage management roles through the States, with assignments including Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, and Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Along the way, he demonstrated talent for successful management of multiple outlets with different styles of service, cuisine and banquet facilities and has a strong track record for achieving increased industry ratings and raising the bar for unique and memorable dining experiences. Born in France, Lafon graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Ronan Sayburn MS - Head of Wines UK
As a North Yorkshire native with expertise in wine purchasing, sommelier training and executive wine management, Ronan Sayburn joins Dorchester Collection as Head of Wines UK. Along with training sommeliers, Sayburn is responsible for selecting the exceptional wines and specialty drinks from around the world at The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and Coworth Park. He reports to Stephane Lafon. Previously, Sayburn was Director of Wine and Spirits with Hotel du Vin Group, where he oversaw wine selections and managed sommeliers at all the group's properties. Prior assignments included Executive Head Sommelier at the Michelin-starred Greenhouse Restaurant, which had the largest wine list in the UK during Sayburn's tenure, and Executive Head Sommelier for Gordon Ramsay Holdings. With a Master Sommelier Diploma earned from The Court of Master Sommeliers, Sayburn also honed his expertise as a Sommelier at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Restaurant Pied à Terre, and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. @Ronan_SayburnMS

Brian Hughson - Executive Chef, Coworth Park
Following success as Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester, Brian Hughson headed north to Ascot to join Coworth Park as Executive Chef. He oversees all the kitchens at the luxury country house hotel and spa, including Restaurant Coworth Park, The Barn, The Bar, The Drawing Room and The Spatisserie, as well as in-room dining for 70 rooms and banqueting for four private dining rooms and the marquee, which can host up to 300 guests. Hughson brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to Coworth Park, with previous positions including Head Chef at Gary Rhodes' W1 restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin star during his tenure and three AA rosettes within seven months of opening. Hughson has also worked at eminent London restaurants including Petrus, Rhodes in the Square, Frith Street, 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), and Savoy Grill, as well as at Mirabelle, Belvedere and Wheeler's with Marco Pierre White.

Michelle Stephens - Senior Sales Manager, Coworth Park
Reporting directly to Area Director of Sales Victoria Batten, Michelle Stephens is responsible for the meetings and incentives, corporate and leisure business from the surrounding Southern England territory. Stephens is part of Dorchester Collection's UK area Sales and Marketing team with key focus on Coworth Park, while also supporting sales from this region for The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. Stephen's career includes in-depth experience in sales, marketing, communications, event planning and customer service processes. She joins from Chic Outlet Shopping by Value Retail PLC as part of the sales and marketing team for the nine Villages, overseeing all pan-European travel and tourism partnerships. Stephens earlier career roles include Director of Sales and Marketing for Blenheim Palace Hospitality where she was later promoted to Catering Services Director, responsible for the production of high profile corporate events and weddings. Previous experience also includes Sales and Marketing Manager for The Feathers and The Lords of the Manor hotels and Bespoke Hotels Ltd.

Jutta Asta - Executive Housekeeper, The Dorchester
With clear focus on guest satisfaction, a keen eye for design and interiors, and superb management skills garnered over more than three decades in hospitality, Jutta Asta joined The Dorchester as Executive Housekeeper. Asta arrived at The Dorchester from the Aldon Kempinski Berlin, a 382-bedroom, five-star deluxe address where she was Executive Housekeeper. She held the same role at various properties across London going back to 1998, including Claridge's Hotel, The Savoy, The Berkeley Hotel, The Goring Hotel, and The Howard Hotel. Asta has also worked at Central Middlesex Hospital, Hillside Hospital, Sheraton Heathrow, Sheraton Park Tower, Holiday Inn, Sloan Street, Hyatt Regency in Brussels, and elsewhere. She launched her career with an apprenticeship at Hotel Maritime in Bad Salzuflen

Dorchester Collection
Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world's foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. By applying its unrivalled experience and capability in owning and operating some of the greatest individual hotels, the company's mission is to develop an impeccable group of the finest landmark hotels through acquisition as well as management of wholly-owned and part-owned hotels, and to enter into management agreements.