CHICAGO, Ill. – March 23, 2012 – Today, Hilton Worldwide announced the appointment of Richard “Rick” Evanich as the general manager of Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Evanich – who will report to Area Vice President, Thomas J. Loughlin – will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the 188-room, multi award-winning hotel, which earned the distinction of being rated the number one hotel in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler in 2011.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Rick to his new position at this world-renowned hotel,” said Loughlin. “I am confident that with his extensive luxury background Rick will be a perfect fit for the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. He will ensure a continuation of the hotel’s reputation for timeless luxury and flawless service which are also hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand.”

Evanich commented, “The staff at the new Waldorf Astoria Chicago has earned an exceptional reputation. I look forward to joining the team and building on the momentum of this singular luxury asset.”

Prior to this appointment, Evanich served with Irvine Company Resort Properties. He joined the organization in 2008 and served as Managing Director of the award winning Island Hotel Newport Beach. Previously Evanich also served with Ritz-Carlton Hotels for seven years. During his tenure, he served as General Manager for some of the company’s finest hotels including The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. He also served as a general manager at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park and The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common.

Evanich’s early career included experience 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.  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.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps off of Magnificent Mile, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago comprises a hotel, 51 luxury private residences, restaurants, a spa and event and meeting rooms. The building, which was designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, features a richly detailed exterior and European courtyard reminiscent of the grand hotels of the 1920’s, while the interiors embrace a sophisticated, urban sensibility. The hotel was recently added to Hilton Worldwide’s growing portfolio of Waldorf Astoria properties.

About the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located in the heart of the chic Gold Coast neighborhood near the most exclusive shops, restaurants and nightlife. Through innovations in service and technology, the 188-room hotel creates a new experience in luxury – energetic and fashion forward; warm and welcoming; fresh and engaging. In addition to its award-winning 14,000 square-foot spa and health club and 4,500- square feet of private event space, the property features two distinct culinary experiences: Balsan, a casual market-driven bistro; and RIA, a two-Michelin-starred, contemporary French restaurant. Having opened its doors in late 2009, the hotel has quickly accumulated a list of prestigious awards and accolades including: 5-diamond rating by AAA for 2011 and 2012; #1 U.S hotel by readers of Conde Nast Traveler; #1 U.S. hotel by U.S. News & World Report; #3 U.S. city hotel in Travel + Leisure. For more information, please visit www.wachicago.com, or call 312-646-1400.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 88 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.

Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.