NEW ORLEANS, La., – (MAY 23, 2011) – Hilton Worldwide announced today the promotion of Fred Sawyers, a 26-year hotel veteran, as complex general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans in addition to his current responsibilities as general manager of the 1622-room Hilton New Orleans Riverside.  “Fred has done an outstanding job operating the Riverside and is an important member of our New Orleans management team.  His leadership skills, accomplishments and expertise in operations are valuable assets to our hotels in the area,” states Keith Clampet, senior vice president, operations for Hilton Worldwide.  Sawyers will take over the operations and management of the 363-room hotel located one block from the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans, effective immediately. 
 
When Hurricane Katrina struck, Sawyers and his team successfully and safely guided 4500 guests and team members through the disaster, a heroic feat that earned him a promotion to general manager.  Prior to New Orleans, he spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, managing the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia River/Jantzen Beach.   
 
Sawyers is currently Chair-Elect of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Association, Treasurer of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and past Chairman of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association.
 
He lives in New Orleans with his wife Jayme, two daughters (Sara 4 and Kylee 3) and three cats. 
 
About DoubleTree by Hilton 
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale hotels in more than 240 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and holiday destinations worldwide, DoubleTree by Hilton’s distinctively designed properties provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travelers.  From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest reward program, each DoubleTree by Hilton guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers can visit www.doubletree.com
 
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized names in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 540 hotels in 76 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltononline, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.