NEW YORK – (December 20, 2011) – Kathleen Shea, Taj Hotels Vice President, Sales & Marketing – The Americas, has named Brian Jones as Director of Sales & Marketing for The Pierre, A Taj Hotel on New York’s Central Park.

“Brian has spent more than 20 years providing outstanding leadership, motivation and support to hotel sales and marketing teams,” said Shea. “With an unwavering commitment to client needs and a track record of increasing sales productivity and satisfaction, he has been able to surpass competitive goals, impact the bottom line and build company reputation in each of his previous outposts. He is dynamic addition to our Taj US team.”
 
Jones will work closely with Shea to direct sales and marketing initiatives and General Manager Heiko Kuenstle to direct operations for The Pierre, the classic 189-room hotel that is the U.S. flagship for Taj Hotels. All hotel sales, revenue management and public relations staff will report to Jones.
 
During his 23-year professional career, Jones has held senior sales positions with Morgans Hotel Group, Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts and the Loews Hotels Corporation. He began his hospitality career with Hilton Hotels, earning promotions during his 14-year tenure that culminated in his role as Managing Director of Sales overseeing a team of 25 sales directors.

He also enjoys a distinguished record of achievement, including recognition as Sales Person of The Year and Sales Team of the Year at Hilton and winning Excellence in Sales Awards from both Hilton and Loews Hotels.

Jones, a graduate of St. Johns University, holds an M.B.A. in International Business Marketing from Fordham University.

Contact Jones at [email protected].

About The Pierre
After 80 years, The Pierre continues to set the standard for elegance and unrivalled hospitality in New York City. Located on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, The Pierre is an exclusive AAA Five Diamond property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, the iconic hotel underwent a $100 million renovation, updating 189 guestrooms, including 38 suites and 11 grand suites, as well as the hotel’s banquet and public spaces. The Pierre also introduced the London import, Le Caprice, and destination lobby lounge, Two E Bar/Lounge. To reserve, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre/

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 92 hotels in 53 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai.  Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.  www.tajhotels.com