CHICAGO, August 1, 2012 – Sarah Opple accepts a new role at Swissôtel Chicago as Director of Group Sales. For over 20 years, Opple has solidified her reputation as a dedicated, results-oriented professional in the hospitality industry. Swissôtel Chicago enthusiastically congratulates Opple on her new position with the expectation that her extensive experience and proven success will enable her to excel in this new role.

As Director of Group Sales at Swissôtel Chicago, Opple will be responsible for managing and training group sales managers. She will also be involved in strategic planning and business development for group sales.

“We are excited to welcome Sarah Opple to her new role as Director of Group Sales. Knowing her excellent reputation and proven success within the hotel business, we are confident that she will bring her creativity and goal-oriented charisma to her newest role at Swissôtel,” states John Oakley, Director of Sales and Marketing for Swissôtel Chicago.

Opple began her hospitality career as a Sales Manager at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan in 1991 before moving to the Geneva Lakes Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and Starwood Hotels & Resorts in both Chicago and Detroit. From there, she went to work for notable properties including the Omni Hotel Chicago and Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. In 2001 as the Director of Group Sales, Opple opened the sales office at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, interviewing, training, and developing an 11-employee sales team. She moved to Gaylord Hotels and Restaurants in 2006 before joining Swissôtel Chicago as a Senior Sales Manager in August of 2009.

Opple holds a bachelors degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Director of Group Sales, Sarah Opple, please contact Nicole Ettenhofer at 312.296.6420 or [email protected].

About Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts
Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts (www.swissotel.com) is an award winning and distinctive group of deluxe hotels, combining renowned Swiss hospitality with contemporary design, personalised service, charm and efficiency. Located in popular gateway destinations and city centres, the hotels provide convenient access to business and shopping districts. The group's Swiss heritage ensures organisational competence, attention to detail, safety and a superlative guest experience.

The international hotel chain is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with 102 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffled branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

Hotels under development: Makkah/Saudi-Arabia (2012), Sochi/Russia (2013), Chengdu/China (2014), Bangalore/India (2014), Mumbai/India (2014), Kiev/Ukraine (2014), and Odessa/Ukraine (2014).