August 17, 2012 (Gstaad, Switzerland) - Gstaad Palace has announced the appointment of Melanie Ehlert as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Arriving in the Swiss chalet village with experience in the luxury hospitality industry across the Continent and beyond, Ehlert oversees all sales and marketing for one of the last family-owned palaces, including directing public relations and social media efforts for the hotel.

"Melanie has a strong background of leading sales and marketing efforts for hotel groups with luxury operations in Europe and the U.S. We look forward to her bringing her expertise to Gstaad Palace and leveraging the unique guest experience we offer," said Andrea Scherz, General Manager of Gstaad Palace.

Ehlert arrived at Gstaad Palace from Morgans Hotel Group in London, where she was Regional Director of Sales, Business Travel. Previously she held management-level positions in sales and marketing for Capital Hotels Knightsbridge (Ltd.) in London and Art Deco Hotel Montana in Lucerne, Switzerland. Ehlert started her career in 2003 with Small Luxury Hotels of the World™, first as Relationship Manager for Northern & Central Europe, Greece and Africa, then as Relationship and Events Manager EMEA.

Born and raised in Germany, Ehlert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Modern Languages as well as an International Business Degree from the Business School at London South Bank University and was awarded Chartered Marketer in 2009. She counts herself fluent in German, English and French and highly proficient in Spanish.

About Gstaad Palace
Gstaad Palace with its unrivalled reputation for refined hospitality is a favorite address for international travelers. Located in the charming chalet village of Saanenland in the Bernese Alps, the glamorous and historic resort has been a significant presence since opening in 1913. One of the last family-owned Palaces is comprised of 104 guest rooms with 26 suites including two Tower Suites and a Penthouse Suite.  The hotel also offers access to its rustic and charming Walig Hut, one of the few extant dating from the late 1700s, with a beautiful mountainside location and breathtaking views of the village below. Five restaurants provide Swiss and Italian specialties and international gourmet cuisine, with white glove service, charmed casual settings, and the energetic retro-vibe of the illustrious nightclub GreenGlo. The Palace Spa features eight treatment rooms, a unique Hammam experience, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center and more. A ballroom and meeting rooms are ideal for groups and social events. The resort also offersfour clay tennis courts and can arrange for guests to experience the myriad seasonal activities nearby. For more information on Gstaad Palace, www.palace.ch