New York, NY – June 25, 2013 – Marc Sternagel of Novotel New YorkTimes Square has been named ‘General Manager of the Year’ by the Greater New York Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Presented last week at the 20th annual Frank W. Berkman Tourism Achievement Award black-tie event, Sternagel accepted the prestigious honor as he oversees a complete $85 million renovation of the 480-room Novotel New York Times Square. Upon completion in September 2013, the project will create an edgy and exciting respite for contemporary travelers to emerge and engage in the heart of Times Square.
Educated in Germany and a graduate of the General Managers Program at Cornell University, Sternagel has two decades of hotel experience in Europe, Australia and the United States, including the past eight years as Hotel Manager and then General Manager of Novotel New York. During his tenure, the hotel achieved record results in maintaining guest satisfaction scores while growing employees along their career paths. Meanwhile, Sternagel was hands-on in creating a “bucket list” sales approach to encourage clients to experience the excitement of Times Square. He also shifted the traditional role as GM more towards that of a “support manager”‘ for the hotel sales team, while getting involved in various environmental and charitable projects to boost the hotel’s profile and employee involvement.
“I am very pleased to be recognized by HSMAI for my achievements as General Manager of Novotel New York and look forward to the splash we’re sure to make as the renovation takes shape over the next few months,” said Sternagel. “It takes every team member to make the hotel click. I’m truly fortunate to lead a very talented team.”
