The Blackstone�s Shakir Hussain described Mr. Cevik, as uniquely positioned to assist in establishing The Blackstone as a benchmark of excellence in luxury and service:

�Mr. Cevik brings impeccable credentials in hotel operations, financial forecasting and in directing upscale food and beverage services to The Blackstone�, said Mr. Hussain. �His demonstrated expertise will be a key to helping establish The Blackstone as a premier international destination offering a true �Chicago� guest experience.�

In his position as assistant general manager, Mr. Cevik will support Shakir Hussain, the general manager, in providing leadership for the on-going operations of The Blackstone and the overall guest experience.

Most recently, Mr. Cevik was the hotel manager for the Westin in Providence, RI and helped oversee the opening of a new tower housing 200 guest rooms and 103 residences.  No stranger to Chicago, Mr. Cevik served as the director of food and beverage at the Conrad Chicago from 2005-2007. In addition, he has held executive posts at luxury boutique hotels including The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI; the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City. His earlier positions have included La Palace Hilton Geneva and Splendide Royal in Switzerland.

Mr. Cevik earned an A.S. degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, a B.S. degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management and a M.S. degree in Marketing�all at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. His   educational credentials also include the General Managers Program at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, an A.S. degree in Hotel Management at Les Roches in Clarens, Switzerland and wine/sommelier training at L�Ecole de�May in Alsace France.

The Blackstone, a Chicago architectural and cultural icon and a national  landmark that provided regal lodgings for many of the 20th century�s most famous figures--from a dozen U.S. presidents to Hollywood stars -officially opened on April 30, 2008, after a $128 million showcase restoration.

Located in the heart of Chicago�s arts and theater district and adjacent to the world class Millennium Park, The Blackstone offers 332 stylish rooms - among them the fabled Presidential Suite and the Smoke-filled Room, 11,396 square feet of meeting space, including the lavishly restored Crystal Ballroom, a collection of contemporary Chicago art, a health club, and business center. The Blackstone�s ambiance is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services. 

Susanne Voeltz Public Relations
608/284-0848
[email protected]
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/chirh