Originally from the Netherlands, Schoningh began his career in the hospitality industry as a member of the pre-opening team for the golden Tulip St. HonorJ, Paris from 1988 to 1990. Maintaining a career with KLM/Golden Tulip Hotels for a number of years, Schoningh worked in Paris, New York and Amsterdam until he joined the Walt Disney Company, where he was a part of the pre-opening and opening team of Disneyland Paris. His last position was Operations Manager for Disney�s largest Resort Hotel, the Newport Bay Club, a 1,100 room hotel.

Canada beckoned Schoningh in 1994 and he moved to Quebec City, being appointed Director of Operations at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, holding this position until he was promoted to Manager in 1997. In June 1998, Schoningh moved even farther east as General Manager at Delta BeausJjour where he successfully guided the hotel through the Sommet de la Francophonie, a meeting of 52 Heads of State from French speaking countries around the world. Schoningh was appointed to his most recent position as General Manager, The Fairmont Glitter Bay/The Fairmont Royal Pavilion in 1999. 

Schoningh holds a Bachelors Degree in Hotel Administration from The Hague Hotel School, Institute of Hospitality Management in the Netherlands and in the past few years he successfully completed the AMPHI Program (Advanced Management Program for the University Industry) at University of Guelph.  Schoningh was also one of only two General Managers selected by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to participate in the intensive General Manager' s Course at Cornell University last year. He also speaks fluent English, French and German, in addition to his native Dutch. 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a unique collection of world-class resorts and city center hotels that enjoy unrivalled prominence in the communities where they are located. Operating 38 properties throughout six countries, Fairmont is committed to providing guests with exceptional service in distinctive surroundings.