SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL (MARCH 2016) – Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, South Florida’s ultra-luxury resort, is pleased to announce the promotion of Christof Pignet to General Manager. Previously Hotel Manager of the resort, Christof will oversee all aspects of the resort and condominium operations, guest experiences, and employee enrichment. In this multi-faceted role, Christof will ensure that the services and facilities reflect the Five Star, Five Diamond quality standards the resort is renowned for, while achieving national and international award-winning recognition for the exclusive Sunny Isles property.
Having been with Acqualina for over four years, Christof has truly embraced the culture and continues to lead by example. He diligently and passionately works with the team to elevate the guest experience, guiding and inspiring all staff members to achieve and deliver excellence through the practices of consistency and dedication. His presence is felt throughout the resort as he interacts with all guests and staff daily to ascertain their well-being and utmost comfort at all times.
Christof has been instrumental in the success story of Acqualina, having significantly contributed to the prosperity of the business and overall culture, which has directly resulted in numerous awards and accolades for the property. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and under Christof’s leadership, Acqualina has managed to achieve and retain the prestigious Forbes Five Star rating for the fourth consecutive year, the AAA Five Diamond rating for the seventh consecutive year and the Traveler’s Choice Award by TripAdvisor, where Acqualina was the only luxury beachfront hotel in the continental United States included.
Prior to joining Acqualina in a Director of Rooms Division capacity, Christof was the Front Office Manager at the iconic Hay Adams Hotel, across from the White House in Washington, D.C. where he held several managerial positions in Rooms Division over a seven-year time span. During this period, he successfully worked through two presidential inaugurations, hosted the First Family for a two-week stay and had the privilege of serving countless celebrities, dignitaries and heads of states from all over the world. Christof worked during the full property closing and reopening as part of a multi-million dollar renovation and left his mark by elevating service scores throughout the property as well as further developing the hotel’s management training program.
Before coming to Washington, D.C., Christof gathered invaluable work experience in several ultra-luxury properties in Europe including the InterContinental Cologne, the Hotel Seeschloesschen and the Schneider Almhof. He is a graduate from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management in Warmbard Villach and also successfully completed military service in Austria.
In addition, Christof has a vested interest in the talent development and grooming of young, eager minds whether through the management training program at Acqualina, visiting his Alma Mater in Austria to connect with students and professors or simply dedicating time for members of the community. Christof also holds a seat on the Greater Miami Beach Hotel Association Board of Directors (GMBHA) and is a supporter many charities, including Habitat for Humanity and the I Have A Dream Foundation (IHAD).
