Under the authority of the research centre of the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State, China Hotel Professional Managers Forum Committee, Hotel Professional Executive magazine organized and established the �Best Leader Award�. The award honors outstanding hotel elites for their dedication to the hotel industry and development in China. The award was presented by major steering committee members including The Research Centre of the State-Owned Assets Council Director -- Wang Zhongming, China Tourism Restaurant Association Standing Director, Beijing Tourism Association Restaurant Branch Vice-president - Zhang Zhijun, Beijing Youth Hostel Federation Secretary General---Zhangwei, China Nanhang Tourism Development Co., Ltd. Assistant General Manager Li Hongbin.

China Hotels Executive Forum is a distinguished gathering of leaders of the hotel industry held by the Hotel Professional Managers in association with several domestic organizations. Distinguished guest-speakers participated in lectures and group discussions on the future of hospitality in China. 

Akram Touma is a seasoned hotelier with 25 years of hotel management experience in 3 continents and six countries, including 15 years in China covering Guangzhou, Guilin, Shenyang, Macau and currently Shanghai. He has a strong passion for China and the Chinese people and is committed to the development of hospitality in China.

Le Royal Méridien Shanghai
Located in 789 Nanjing Road East, Le Royal Méridien is in the centre of Shanghai. The tallest landmark building in Shanghai Puxi with an ultra modern design, the location of Le Royal Méridien is second to none.  Stylish and sophisticated, the five-star deluxe Le Royal Méridien Shanghai has the best facilities in Shanghai. 770 luxurious guest rooms and suites that showcase views of the mighty Huangpu River, People�s Square, or the Shanghai skyline. With 10 exciting restaurants and bars, 2,000 square meters of meeting space, two naturally lit Grand Ballrooms and numerous breakout rooms; the hotel offers facilities unmatched by any other.

Le Méridien
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, with its portfolio of more than 120 luxury and upscale hotels in 52 countries worldwide, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The majority of Le Méridien properties are located in the world's top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. In the 2005 Luxury Brand Status Index survey Le Méridien was recognised as one of the top 15 luxury hotel brands. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com. 

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. 

Tony Wang
Director of Marketing Communications
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai
Tel: +86 21 3318 9999 * 8070
Fax: +86 21 6361 3388
Email: [email protected]