NEW YORK (June 27, 2011) – Kathleen Shea, Vice President of Sales & Marketing – The Americas, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, has appointed Julian Alden as Director of Sales for The Pierre, A Taj Hotel on New York’s Central Park.

“Julian will leverage his strategic sales leadership to direct The Pierre sales team in targeting all business segments, including corporate, group and transient markets,” said Shea. “His in-depth knowledge and strong relationships in key markets are tremendous assets that will continue to drive brand awareness and revenue for our 189-room Taj U.S. flagship property.”

“We’re delighted to add Julian’s comprehensive luxury background and familiarity with New York’s competitive set of hotels to our team,” said Heiko Kuenstle, General Manager, The Pierre.

For 10 years, Alden held increasingly demanding positions at The St. Regis Hotel. As Director of International Sales for eight years, he was responsible for dramatic growth of transient and group business as well as successful sales and marketing initiatives in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, and was recognized year after year as a top performer for consistently exceeding his sales goals by significant margins. In 2009, he was promoted to Associate Director of Sales, handling strategic planning for pricing and market segmentation while also far exceeding his revenue goals and propelling the hotel into a more prominent competitive ranking in the marketplace.

A native of Malta, Alden attended the island republic’s Institute of Tourism Studies – St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s, where he received a Diploma in Hotel Management awarded with Distinction and was recognized with the “Management Student of the Year” by the Malta Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Contact Alden at [email protected]

About The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
Celebrating 80 years of legendary history this past October, The Pierre continues to set the standard for elegance and unrivalled hospitality in New York City. Located on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, The Pierre is an exclusive AAA Five Diamond property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, the iconic hotel underwent a $100 million renovation, updating 189 guestrooms, including 38 suites and 11 grand suites, as well as the hotel's banquet and public spaces. The Pierre also introduced a new restaurant, Le Caprice, and destination lobby lounge, Two E Bar/Lounge. To reserve, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre/.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 92 hotels in 53 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai.  Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.  www.tajhotels.com