IRVING, Texas, Nov. 9, 2007 - Omni Hotels announced that
Mike Garcia, formerly the company's chief financial officer, has been promoted
to senior vice president of development, effective immediately. Garcia
is charged with extending the brand through new property development. He
will also serve as senior vice president of business development for TRT
Holdings, Omni's parent company.
"Mike is a great leader who has excelled in creating an aggressive
development plan," said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels. "He
has helped us capitalize on our ability as a privately held company to
partner with other firms and close deals on property developments quickly
and effectively."
Garcia is a 12-year veteran of Omni Hotels and has played a vital role
in establishing key accounting and financial reporting procedures when
TRT Holdings initially acquired Omni Hotels. He has continued to be a strong
leader in the organization, taking his strategic expertise beyond the financial
realm into numerous areas of the organization. In the last few years, Garcia
has taken on a more active role in Omni's development efforts, and he will
now be able to further accelerate aggressive growth strategies in his new
position.
Despite the recent slowing in hospitality development due to limited
credit, Omni Hotels has experienced a sustained period of growth in the
past 18 months with new developments and major projects across North America:
-- In March 2006, Omni purchased the La Mansion del
Rio and the Watermark
Hotel & Spa, the number two
hotel in the U.S. according to Conde Nast
Traveler.
-- In August 2006, Omni broke ground in Fort Worth
to mark the beginning
of construction of the $170 million
Omni Fort Worth Hotel and
Condominiums. The 604-room,
34-story hotel and 89 luxury condos will
be located across the street from
the expanded downtown convention
center and within walking distance
to the numerous restaurants,
entertainment and cultural sites.
-- In October 2006, Omni announced a $60 million
transformation to the
Omni Tucson National Resort.
The project will double the size of the
luxury boutique resort and include
several new culinary concepts
keeping with the property's award
winning golf course, spa and
recreational facilities.
-- In July 2007, another property was added to the
Texas portfolio with
the purchase of a former Sheraton
hotel in downtown Houston with Songy
Partners of Atlanta. The
comprehensive conversion of the property will
reduce the number of guest rooms
from 800 to approximately 400
oversized rooms and concierge
suites. The property will also include
several culinary options and an
extensive fitness and spa facility.
The hotel is located just blocks
from the convention center and
adjacent to the Houston Pavilions
project, anchored by a House of Blues
and Lucky Strike Lanes.
-- Also in July 2007, Omni announced the purchase
of 90 coastal acres in
Pontoque, Mexico that will be
home to a boutique luxury hotel, villas
and condominiums. The first phase
is expected to open in 2010 and
include exceptional golf, spa
and culinary venues.
-- In September 2007, the building housing the current
Omni Austin Hotel
in the downtown area was purchased
by the company. The hotel is
located in the heart of Austin's
business and entertainment district,
and a major renovation is currently
in progress.
About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting
the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of
scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury
accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and
leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa
retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond
services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity
and unique fitness options. Omni's mission for total customer service is
further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates
to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests
can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting http://www.omnihotels.com
or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI. |
