McLean, VA. – October 9, 2012– William V. Friedrich, Jr. has been named general manager of Embassy Suites Orlando - International Drive South Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida according to Ted R. Ratcliff, Senior Vice President, Operations, U.S. Eastern Region, effective immediately.  Friedrich will oversee the day-to-day operations as well as the quality and service brand standards of the all-suite and full-service hotel located in the vibrant International Drive Resort Area, minutes away from Orlando's world famous attractions, and walking distance to exciting dining, shopping and nightlife.
 
Friedrich most recently held the position of director of front office operations for Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.  With over 13 years of leadership experience in the hotel industry, Bill has a track record of proven success in development, revenue growth, profit and service ranking and team member satisfaction. His leadership skills coupled with his strong ability to manage relationships with multiple partners and team members as well as his strong team building and revenue management skills made him an easy choice. 
 
Friedrich began his hospitality career in 1995 at Walt Disney World.  From 1999 to 2001, he was guest service manager at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. In 2001, he was guest service manager of the Nickelodeon Family Suites before taking over as director of reservations and revenue management, a position he held until 2004.  Expanding his hospitality knowledge, he was the assistant director of housekeeping at the same resort from 2004 to 2005 and then director of front office operations until 2006. In 2006, he became the front office director of the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Studios where he remained until 2009 when he joined the Hilton family at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
 
Friedrich was the chairperson of Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Blue Energy committee which resulted in the hotel being awarded the inaugural Hilton Blue Energy Annual Award. Additionally, he was assigned front office specialist for hotels in the Southeast, guiding and communicating important news as well as driving results in specific areas of front office operations.
 
He enjoys playing golf, tennis, softball and basketball as well as spending time with his daughter Alicia, 13 and his son, Jake, 9.

About Embassy Suites Hotels
Embassy Suites Hotels, one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands and one of Parents magazine’s 10 Best Hotel Chains for Families of 2012, gives guests more during every stay. The full service, upscale brand offers spacious two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly Manager’s Reception with complimentary appetizers and beverages. Both leisure and business travelers looking for an approachable, upscale experience feel right at home in the brand’s inviting atrium environment. Embassy Suites Hotels has 213 properties across the Americas nearly 30 more in the pipeline. For more information, visit embassysuites.com, and connect with Embassy Suites at embassysuitesmediacenter.com, facebook.com/embassysuiteshotels and twitter.com/EmbassySuites.