A savvy and astute hotelier, Evanich was previously with Ritz-Carlton Hotels for seven years. During his tenure, he served as general manager for some of the company�s finest hotels, and played a key role in helping The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park attain the coveted AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star status. He also lent his considerable business acumen to The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park and The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common.

In addition, Evanich served as director of food and beverage for the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, where he oversaw a major renovation of the property�s food and beverage operations.  He was also the director of food and beverage at the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco and director of operations of the Westin Cincinnati and the Westin Maui. 

At Island Hotel, Evanich will oversee day to day operations for the luxurious 20-story property, a Newport Beach landmark that continually garners public and critical acclaim for its gracious service and stellar amenities. 

�Rick is an exceptionally talented and well-respected hospitality executive with expertise in the luxury arena and a true appreciation for the hotel�s role in the community,� said Ralph Grippo, president of Irvine Company Resort Properties. �We are thrilled to have him join our team as we take Island Hotel, already the finest business hotel in Orange County, to even higher levels of excellence.�

In addition to his experience as a hotel executive, Evanich is a highly-trained and accomplished chef. He studied culinary arts in Italy, France and Scottsdale, Ariz., and has worked as an executive chef at various high profile resorts, among them the Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, the Maui Marriott Resort and the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale.  He is a native of Wisconsin. 

Since the Irvine Company assumed management of Island Hotel in 2005, key enhancements have been made to the property, among them extensive guestroom upgrades, including the addition of HD Sony Plasma televisions, Bose 321 sound systems and IPod connectors; a complete refurbishment of the hotel�s top 11 elegant suites; enhanced lobby and function spaces; freshly redone interiors for Palm Terrace, the hotel�s signature dining venue and lounge; and lush new landscaping at the hotel�s entrance. In addition, wireless Internet access is now available throughout the hotel�s public spaces and guestrooms, and is complimentary. The hotel has consistently received the AAA Five Diamond Award, one of only 16 in the state. 

Just minutes from Newport Harbor overlooking the nearby islands of Balboa, Lido and Catalina, Island Hotel Newport Beach features amenities such as Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge; a 4,000-square-foot spa; a 3,000-square-foot resort-style pool; a fitness center; two outdoor; lighted tennis courts; and over 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is owned and operated by Irvine Company, a 140-year-old, privately held real estate investment company based in Newport Beach, Calif. and is located at 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California. For reservations and more information, please contact Island Hotel Newport Beach, toll-free, at 1-888-321-4752; or visit the website at www.IslandHotel.com.

In addition to Island Hotel, Irvine Company�s resort holdings currently include The Resort at Pelican Hill, a newly-opened, one-of-a-kind destination resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach; Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach, which includes two 18-hole, ocean-view courses, and picturesque Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine, all created by renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio; the Hyatt Regency Irvine; and five marinas. 

Marguarite Clark
(949) 295-2801
 www.IslandHotel.com