Wilhelm Luxem Appointed as Managing Director of Zurich's Baur Au Lac Succeeding Michel Rey Who Ends 30-year Tenure in the Role with his Elevation to the Hotel's Board / January 2013

New York - January 29, 2013: Michel Rey (pictured, below right, with wife Viviane Rey) is ending his 30-year tenure as Managing Director of the Baur au Lac with his elevation to the hotel's board, and Wilhelm Luxem (pictured, below left) has been appointed the new Managing Director of the renowned Swiss hotel.

The Rey family, including Rey's father and predecessor, Georges Rey, has been dedicated to the tradition-rich Baur au Lac for nearly 60 years. Since taking over his father's position as Managing Director in the early 1980s, Rey has gracefully met the ever-changing needs of travelers, beginning a new chapter in the success and growth of the Baur au Lac.


Wilhelm Luxem	Michel and Viviane Rey

Together with Andrea Kracht, owner of the Baur au Lac, Rey has played a significant role in repositioning the hotel amid Europe's leading hotels. By overseeing an outstanding staff, he has maintained the hotel's service at a world-class level, resulting in two commendable tributes of the coveted Commitment to Quality Award as the "Best Hotel in Europe,"from the experts at the The Leading Hotels of the World.

"Michel Rey has certainly left his mark on the Baur au Lac, as he has worked relentlessly with enthusiasm and dedication to successfully amplify the Baur au Lac's appeal as one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in both Europe and the world," says Andrea Kracht. "Though we will all miss Michel's daily presence, his magic touch will continue to be felt throughout the Baur au Lac."

Wilhelm Luxem has extensive experience in the luxury hotel industry. His career path included the Schlosshotel Kronberg in Taunus; Brenner's Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden; Australia's renowned Hayman Island Resort; and he opened and managed both the Anassa Resort in Cyprus and The Oberoi Mauritius.

Since 2004, Luxem has successfully run the Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne, the Baur au Lac's sister establishment, and in 2009, he was named Germany's "Hotelier of the Year" by the Busche Publisher. During his tenure at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst the venerable hotel was also awarded the 2011 Leaders Club Guest Recognition Award of Excellence by the members of The Leading Hotels of the World's "Leaders Club".

"Wilhelm Luxem's move from the Excelsior Hotel Ernst to the Baur au Lac exemplifies the family-style tradition the Baur au Lac has upheld for almost 170 years," says Andrea Kracht. "His work has always been meticulous, seamlessly blending aspects of business and hospitality, and we know he will be a wonderful addition to the Baur au Lac."

For more information about the Baur au Lac, visit: www.bauraulac.ch

About the Baur au Lac:
Voted 'Best Hotel in Zurich' by Conde Nast Traveler readers in January, 2012 and 'Best Hotel in Switzerland' by Travel+Leisure readers in January, 2011, the 120-room hotel is a short walk from Zurich's world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, the central Paradeplatz, Lake Zurich and the city's bustling financial district. The hotel recently completed an approximately $41 million renovation, revamping its Pavillon and Terrasse restaurants as well as various rooms and suites. It is also home to the Rive Gauche restaurant, a place to see and be seen in Zurich.

Also See:	Andrea Kracht Of Zurich's Baur Au Lac Named Chairman Of Executive Committee Of The Leading Hotels Of The World / December 2010
	A Breakfast Conversation with Michel Rey, General Manager of The Baur au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland / Andreas Augustin / May 2010 / May 2010