Mr Farag, a US national, has spent his 20 year hotel career in the United States, where he held various senior management positions with fine hotels and brands in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Cleveland, and Orlando.

Prior to joining the Conrad Istanbul he was General Manager of the Regent Wall Street Hotel & Spa in New York, which he joined in 2002, after having opened the 400-room  Stirling Club Turnberry Place in Las Vegas, where he was vice-president and general manager.  He also managed the St Regis Hotel in Los Angeles, and previously had other senior positions with the MGM Grand Inc in Las Vegas, the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, the Plaza in New York, The Ritz Carlton in Cleveland and the Walt Disney Dolphin in Orlando.

In his new role, Farag manages and oversees the development of the award-winning Conrad Istanbul, a 584 guest-room in the heart of Istanbul, known for its fine bars, restaurants, advanced business and conference facilities, and its exceptional views and position by the Bosphorus. The hotel, which has undergone major refurbishments over the past two years, will continue to enhance its rooms and facilities, under Mr. Farag�s supervision.

Clem Barter, President of Conrad Hotels commented: �we wish every success to Asaad Farag with this new role.  His experience will be a great asset to ensure a successful management and business development for our hotel, after the difficult socio-economic years Turkey has just gone through.� 
 

A member of the Chaîne of Rotisserie and a Trustee of the Five Star Diamond American Hospitality of Science, Farag, 44, graduated from the Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt. He is a keen tennis player, with a passion for American football. Asaad Farag was appointed in replacement of previous General Manager, Joep Bakx, who is pursuing other interests.

Conrad Istanbul Yildiz Caddesi 80700 Besiktas Istanbul, Turkey

With award-winning properties in the US, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Egypt, Turkey, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Uruguay, Conrad has sixteen luxury business and resort and spa hotels in exotic and cosmopolitan destinations around the world.   Another four Conrad development projects are planned in the US, Thailand and Japan for future openings between 2004 and 2006. Conrad Hotels is a joint venture equally owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International-CO.