Le Meridien San Francisco Names GM
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 23, 2007. HEI Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel ownership and operating company, announced today the appointment of Robert LaCasse as the new general manager of the 360-room Le Meridien San Francisco. LaCasse joins the hotel from the Sheraton Austin Hotel in Austin, Texas, where he had served as general manager through HEI's acquisition of the hotel and the property's transition from the Marriott brand to Sheraton.
"We are dedicated to promoting growth from within at HEI and in a short time at the Sheraton Austin, Bob was able to create a culture of success," said Michael Miner, senior vice president of operations.. "This was a well-deserved promotion and we know that Bob will bring a fresh energy and vision to the Le Meridien."
Known for its contemporary environment and outstanding service, the Le Meridien San Francisco is a unique destination for travelers to San Francisco. LaCasse will be responsible for maintaining an inspired culture of service and discovery, in line with the Le Meridien's emerging position in the American market.
"I'm excited to embark on this new challenge," LaCasse said. "HEI has given me the opportunity to grow and I'm excited to lead the Le Meridien team. The hotel is unmatched in the market, and I expect big things in the coming years."
Before joining HEI as the general manager of the Sheraton Austin, LaCasse was general manager of the Marriott Delray Beach, a 270-room hotel and spa in a resort environment. He also served as general manager of the Sheraton Newton Hotel, where he was nominated three years in a row as General Manager of the Year by the Massachusetts Lodging Association. Prior to the Sheraton Newton, LaCasse spent 10 years at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in roles of increasing responsibility, focusing on the property's food and beverage operation.
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 
