PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 27, 2016)— As the latest progression in its evolution as a standard-defining modern luxury resort brand, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa has announced two key executive appointments; former managing director, Michael King has been named chief operating officer and Cindy Racco has been named general manager of the Five-Star, Five Diamond oceanfront resort. These leadership changes mark an exciting new phase as the brand continues to grow as the preeminent authority on the modern Palm Beach lifestyle.

King joined the resort in 2010, under The Ritz Carlton brand, and led the successful launch as an independently run property, earning the prestigious Forbes-Five Star designation within three years. Under his direction, Eau Palm Beach has been decorated with the industry’s top accolades for product and service and most recently was recognized for the second year in a row as the #1 Resort in Florida (Atlantic) by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. As chief operating officer, King will develop strategies across finance, sales, marketing and talent to continue to grow the Eau Palm Beach brand.

A seasoned professional and industry expert, Cindy Racco brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa. As general manager, she will oversee all operations and lead the resort’s continued pursuit of providing a progressive luxury experience to guests. Racco’s hands-on management style will create an exciting environment for the resort’s employees, which will directly reflect in positive guest experiences.

“We are thrilled to have Cindy on the team as she has dedicated her career to providing memorable guest experiences at amazing luxury properties,” said Michael King. “She understands the Palm Beach market and we know she is the perfect fit for the continued advancement of our exceptional property.”

Most recently, Racco served as general manager at the Four Seasons Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A long-standing leader within the Four Seasons brand, Racco held various management roles for locations including Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara. Racco’s genuine passion for the hospitality industry and dedication to inspiring her team will reinforce the continued standards of excellence at the award-winning Eau Palm Beach.

“I am excited to join the incredibly talented team at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa,” said Racco. “With such a special group of hoteliers on property, the future of this resort is blindingly bright and I look forward to helping take the guest experience to new heights.”

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Racco holds a Bachelor degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio. In her spare time, Racco enjoys playing golf, stand-up paddle boarding, recreating new recipes from different cuisines at home and spending time with her son, Jack.