30 August 2012; Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi's most luxurious and iconic 5-star destination today announces the appointment of new Hotel Manager, Alexander Schneider.

Working closely with General ManagerBugra Berberoglu, Alexander Schneider looks to build on the Palace's internationally-renowned service and hospitality, striving to set new standards of excellence.

Alexander brings a wealth of experience to bear in this new role, following General Manager positions at Park Plaza Bengaluru (Bangalore), where he was responsible for the initial opening of the hotel in June 2011, and at Berlin's boutique design hotel Casa Camper, again, managing the pre-opening process. Past experience also includes the role of Associate General Manager at Grand Hyatt Berlin and both Director of Rooms and Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Regency Cologne.

Alexander's expertise ranges from the strategic overview and management of numerous new openings to appointing and leading teams of up to 350 employees, delivering comprehensive sales and marketing plans and ensuring the delivery of a successful business growth model. Under Alexander's guidance and leadership, a number of these propertieshave exceeded projected revenues, achieved qualification in the Michelin Guide and secured myriad high-profile awards.

Alexander graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, New York with a High Honors (GPA 3, 6), is a member of the American Culinary Society and Sommeliers and is fluent in German, French and English.

Commenting on his new appointment, Alexander says: "Joining Emirates Palace is a fantastic opportunity. I am greatly looking forward to working alongside the Palace's talented and dedicated team of professionals to deliver an exclusive, luxurious and five-star experience to all our guests."

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About Emirates Palace
Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travellers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalized world class service.

Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private white pristine beach and on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options. The resort's leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun, an Anantara spa, tennis courts, and a state of the art fitness centre.

Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with up to 1,100 seats, the ballroom for up to 2400 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre and outdoor venue capacity for up to 20,000 guests. As a world-class leader in the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events market, Emirates Palace plays host to a spectacular cultural calendar including host for the Middle East International Film Festival, the largest Hotel Art Gallery with regular exhibitions, popular and classical music concert programme. With a FIFA standard football pitch and home to Manchester City's winter training ground, Emirates Palace offers the best in world sports action including the annual Lashings Cricket Festival.  

Emirates Palace, since its inception, has quickly established an enviable reputation in the industry, winning many prestigious industry awards including most recently The 2009 World Travel Awards Best Conference and Convention Centre and 2009 World Luxury Hotel Awards for Best Luxury Business Hotel and World Luxury Hotel Award.

About Kempinski:
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service andsuperb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties.Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 71 hotels in 31 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East,Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage.

The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences.

Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location.

Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA): the world's largest alliance of independent hotels.

Issued By:
Anita Cremer, Director of Sales & Marketing, Emirates Palace Hotel
West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel +9712 690 7900, Fax + 9712 690 7922
E-mail: anita.cremer@emiratespalace.ae; www.emiratespalace.ae

© Press Release 2012