 |
|
News for the Hospitality Executive |
|
The Irvine Company Names Giuseppe Lama Managing Director
of
The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, California
 Newport
Coast, Southern California, October 15, 2007 - Giuseppe Lama, one of the
most talented and accomplished executives in the luxury resort industry,
has joined The Resort at Pelican Hill as managing director.
Lama, who was raised in Italy and most recently served as General Manger of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, will lead the resort' restaurant, catering, wedding, culinary and villa services operations. Lama, 50, was born into the hospitality industry - his parents owned a popular restaurant in Faenza, a Tuscan hill town. Early in his career, he worked at some of the finest boutique hotels in the world, including Villa D'Este in Como, Italy and The Dorchester in London. Since then, he has served as a senior executive at luxury resorts including Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Most recently, he directed the opening of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, which received numerous accolades during his tenure. He also worked for Westin as a senior executive, including serving as senior director of operations at Century Plaza Hotel and Tower in Los Angeles. Lama is a graduate of Oxford Polytechnic with a degree in hotel management and administration. He also attended the Hotel College in Bellagio, Italy, considered the finest institution of its kind in the country. The decision to name Lama managing director of The Resort at Pelican Hill underscores The Irvine Company's commitment to creating a destination that is truly unparalleled among the world's finest resorts, said Ralph Grippo, president of the company's resort division. "Our intent is to create a destination that is as exceptional as its spectacular coastal setting," Grippo said. "We selected Giuseppe in order to ensure that every aspect of our culinary, catering and wedding operations are the finest they can be. He is a consummate professional, with great passion for what he does. His leadership will help ensure that we reach the standards of excellence we have set." He begins his new role this month and will assist with the opening of Pelican Grill on Nov. 2. Lama soon will be joined by a general manager, who will oversee the resort's bungalows, villas, retail and spa operations. The Resort at Pelican Hill is a masterpiece in the making, blending the principles of Italy's most renowned architect, Andrea Palladio, with California comfort and style. The resort will open in two phases; Pelican Hill Golf Club, with 36 holes of Tom Fazio-designed golf and signature Pelican Grill restaurant, in November 2007; all other components, including luxurious bungalows and villas, function space for every type of event and a spa with 22 private treatment rooms, in fall 2008. When in opens next year, The Resort at Pelican Hill will include 204 bungalow rooms and suites; 128 villas; a dramatic, circular pool with an amphitheater of terraced decks inspired by Rome's Coliseum; world-class dining options including exquisitely prepared Italian cuisine; a 20,000-square-foot spa offering therapies from around the world; function space including a facility with a separate arrival area; an Italian-style wedding chapel; and a golf club with two 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed courses. Easily accessible, The Resort at Pelican Hill is located just 10 minutes from Orange County's John Wayne Airport, 45 minutes from LAX, and is adjacent to the famed shopping, dining and beaches of the chic seaside communities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The Irvine Company Resort Properties owns and manages the finest resort and leisure destinations in Newport Coast and the City of Irvine. In addition to The Resort at Pelican Hill, the portfolio includes The Island Hotel Newport Beach, the city's landmark property and only AAA Five Diamond hotel; Hyatt Regency Irvine, the city's only Four Diamond hotel; Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine, featuring a challenging, Tom Fazio-designed public courses; and several of the finest marinas in Newport Harbor and Northern California. |
| Contact:
Marian Gerlich
|
| Also See: | Ralph Grippo Named Managing Director of The Resort at Pelican Hill and President of The Irvine Company Resort Properties / July 2007 |
|
|