�We are delighted that a professional with Mr. Krige�s distinguished background and extensive experience will take the reins as General Manager of The Plaza Hotel,� said Miki Naftali, President and CEO of Elad Group, owners of The Plaza.  �We look forward to celebrating the hotel�s opening and 100th anniversary in the fall,� he added. 

�The grand restored Plaza will be inspired by its illustrious past; yet provide a luxurious and thoroughly modern experience for today�s travelers. Shane�s experience and expertise at a host of Five Diamond properties make him our ideal choice to guide this storied hotel's newest chapter,� stated Kevin Frid, Fairmont�s Vice President Operations for North America. "The Plaza is a treasured symbol of New York, to both visitors and residents, and has long been a cherished place of occasion. Shane�s leadership will ensure this icon builds on its legacy and once again plays an integral role in the city's social life."

A native of South Africa, Krige has spent the last 15 years canvassing the globe during his hospitality career, much of it in five-star hotels including The Mansion on Turtle Creek, London�s historic Grosvenor House and Ritz Carlton properties in Washington D.C.  Accompanying Krige on his move from Dallas, Texas is his wife and two children.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 
With the opening of the landmark Fairmont San Francisco in April 1907, one of the world's leading luxury hotel brands was born. For over a century, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has offered warm hospitality and timeless elegance in unforgettable locations. Throughout 2007, our 51 distinctive hotels in 10 countries, from fabled castles to secluded lodges and modern retreats, will celebrate a centennial of rich experiences and lasting memories. Committed to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels, which includes The Fairmont Banff Springs and London's Savoy, Fairmont will soon reflag four hotels in Kenya and anticipates the re-opening of New York's famed Plaza Hotel. Future Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also include locations in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Vancouver and South Africa. Fairmont Raffles Hotels International operates over 120 hotels worldwide under the Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta brands, as well as vacation ownership properties managed by Fairmont Heritage Place. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

Suzanne M. Wenz
Regional Director of Public Relations
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
The Fairmont Copley Plaza
138 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
T - (617) 867-8574
www.fairmont.com