Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 2016

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh appointed Gerrit Graef as the property's new General Manager to overlook the operations of the hotel. He joins The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh from his most recent position as Hotel manager for The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah and brings with him 30 years of hospitality experience.

Gerrit began his career in 1997 at Marriott International as Director of F&B at Renaissance Cologne Hotel. After moving to Dubai as Director of F&B at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai, Gerrit was later promoted to Director of Operations at the same hotel. After 5 years in Dubai, Gerrit relocated to Doha where he took on the role of Hotel Manager at the Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartment Complex.

In 2014, Gerrit relocated to Bangkok as Multi Property General Manager to launch the Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit & Marriott Executive Apartment, Sukhumvit-Thoglor.

Commenting on his new role at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Gerrit Graef said: "I am excited to take on the role of General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh and join The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company family. I am confident that, with the outstanding group of Ladies and Gentlemen at the hotel, we will be able to build on its current success and transform the property to be a benchmark for luxury service in the Kingdom," said Gerrit Graef. "This is exciting time to be at the helm of The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh and I look forward to all the opportunities and rewards this new role is bound to bring my way," he concluded.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is a recognized premier destination in KSA, steeped in ancient traditions, that has anchored itself as a popular destination for the local community, business travelers and leisure guests.

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About The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is a majestic and elegant oasis located within 52 acres of luxuriantly landscaped gardens. The luxury hotel's stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences, with ochre facades blending gracefully with the verdant landscape of the gardens.  Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property, providing an oasis of serenity amidst the city centre. The palatial hotel, which offers 493 rooms and suites, 5,800 square meters of meeting and event space, and numerous onsite fine dining options, is prominently situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, one of the largest in the region and host to international summits and conferences. For additional information on The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh please call +966 11 802 8020 or visit ritzcarlton.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 94 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

© Press Release 2016