WHAT ’ S HOT
IT HAS BECOME A BIG GLOBAL BUSINESS , BUT IT IS STILL A SMALL HOTEL WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO CONNECTIONS . WHO ARE SOME OF TODAY ’ S PEOPLE TO WATCH ?
by JEFF WEINSTEIN , EDITOR IN CHIEF
C . SCOTT ROHM
PRESIDENT , SH GROUP , GREENWICH , CONNECTICUT
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Rohm is busy getting immersed in the brand stories Barry Sternlicht and Steven Hankin created for the Baccarat and 1 Hotels brands . The SH Group team is now refining all of its touchpoints , culture , service standards , products and experiences to support these brands .
The head of Starwood Capital Group ’ s new management company oversees the development and launch of the group ’ s two new luxury and lifestyle hotel and residence brands , Baccarat Hotels and 1 Hotels & Resorts .
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Rounding out a selection of the professionals to add to the corporate team and opening offices in New York City . Based on interest from developers , Rohm has already traveled to Africa , Europe and Asia , along with North America . Five hotels are scheduled to open in less than two years , including three in New York City . He also likes the potential for the 1 brand in Asia and predicts the “ green ” brand can reach 100 hotels within 10 years . Since he is not anchored by proprietary technology , he is working with best-in-class providers for the brands , which he says will allow his teams to serve guests and offer experiences not currently deployed to support the brand promises .
JOHN SCOTT
PRESIDENT AND CEO , ORIENT-EXPRESS HOTELS , LONDON
Since being appointed in November , the former leader at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been on the hot seat , charged with strengthening the balance sheet , warding off takeover attempts and consolidating thirdparty management and development at headquarters — not an easy assignment walking in the door .
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In mid-March , Scott helped further establish the company ’ s brand presence in North America by reopening the completely refurbished El Encanto , a 92-key property in Santa Barbara , California .
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Scott says the coming year promises more significant portfolio developments to provide a strong platform for long-term growth . In July , OEH will launch the 25-cabin Orcaella river cruiser in Myanmar . The company is also set to embark on two large-scale renovation projects at Grand Hotel Europe in St . Petersburg , Russia , and Charleston Place in South Carolina .
22 HOTELS June 2013 www . hotelsmag . com