CHICAGO, Ill. – June 5, 2012 – Today, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago announces the appointment of Sean Lynch as the Director of Sales and Marketing.  Lynch will be responsible for the development and execution of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s sales and marketing plans and will spearhead all sales activities throughout the hotel.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Sean to his new position,” said Rick Evanich, General Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. “I am confident that with his luxury background and extensive experience building dynamic sales teams Sean will be a perfect fit for the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.”

Prior to this appointment, Lynch successfully opened the Trump SoHo New York as the Director of Sales and Marketing.  During the pre-opening stage, Lynch was responsible for the hiring and managing of the sales team as well as implementing an action plan for the hotel’s opening in 2011.  Once open, he contributed to exceptionally high occupancy during for the hotel’s first two years of operation.

A native of England, Lynch’s hospitality career began as a trainee manager at The Dormy Hotel in Dorset, England.  He held various positions within prominent English hotels, including The Belfry in Warwickshire and London’s renowned Dorchester Hotel, where he served as a Reservations Executive for four years.  In 1998, Lynch was promoted to Global Account Director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in London.  In 2000, he moved to New York as Director of Business Travel Sales for W Hotels New York.  From 2004 through 2008, he served as a Global Account Director for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in New York.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Magnificent Mile, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago comprises a hotel, 51 luxury private residences, restaurants, a spa and event and meeting rooms. The building, which was designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, features a richly detailed exterior and European courtyard reminiscent of the grand hotels of the 1920’s, while the interiors embrace a sophisticated, urban sensibility. The hotel was recently added to Hilton Worldwide’s growing portfolio of Waldorf Astoria properties.

About the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located in the heart of the chic Gold Coast neighborhood near the most exclusive shops, restaurants and nightlife. Through innovations in service and technology, the 188-room hotel creates a new experience in luxury – energetic and fashion forward; warm and welcoming; fresh and engaging. In addition to its award-winning 14,000 square-foot spa and health club and 4,500- square feet of private event space, the property features two distinct culinary experiences: Balsan, a casual market-driven bistro; and RIA, a two-Michelin-starred, contemporary French restaurant. Having opened its doors in late 2009, the hotel has quickly accumulated a list of prestigious awards and accolades including: 5-diamond rating by AAA for 2011 and 2012; #1 U.S hotel by readers of Conde Nast Traveler; #1 U.S. hotel by U.S. News & World Report; #3 U.S. city hotel in Travel + Leisure. For more information, please visit www.wachicago.com, or call 312-646-1400.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.