SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 30, 2015) – Pearl, San Antonio’s top culinary and cultural destination, has announced a new appointment to the executive team of Hotel Emma, its new culinary-centric boutique hotel, slated to open in October 2015. The independently owned and operated hotel has named hospitality industry veteran Mark Yanke as general manager.
Yanke joins the Hotel Emma team with a strong record of performance in independent luxury properties and resorts led by a keen analysis and insight to driving organizational improvements and strong team development.
Yanke has over 30 years’ experience in the industry having most recently served as President + CEO of Redstone Companies Hospitality in Houston. His post at Redstone included a 20-year tenure, where he joined as general manager of The Houstonian Hotel in 1993 and later served as vice president and managing director, and senior vice president. At Redstone, Yanke managed operations at The Houstonian Hotel; Club and Trellis Spa; Lakeway Resort and Spa; and The Redstone Companies’ golf clubs: ShadowHawk Golf Club, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, BlackHorse Golf Club, and Redstone Golf Club – home of the PGA TOUR Shell Houston Open. His previous experience also includes: operations analyst for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and president/partner of the Freeman Group.
Yanke has successfully led a wide range of properties across the country increasing revenues and garnering a host of accolades that span “Best Places to Work” to Preferred Hotel and Resorts Worldwide “Hotelier of the Year” in 2002. Under his leadership, the Houstonian evolved to become a vital and prosperous market leader in the luxury hotel category. He also increased membership sales and service levels for four Houston golf clubs under his management, while streamlining operations. Yanke has also demonstrated a talent for cultivating a strong company culture.
In his new position, Yanke will manage operations and staff at the hotel while positioning the new property as the premier destination for visitors to San Antonio seeking an experience that is cultural, uniquely luxurious, and authentic.
Yanke is a graduate of Northwood University where he received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, served as the Chairman on the Board of Governors and Trustee, and, in 2002, was awarded an honorary doctorate. He is also a member of the Advisory Board for Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and has held several leadership positions that include: Chairman of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chair of the Hotel and Lodging Association of Greater Houston. Yanke also served as a Member of the Board of Directors for The Super Bowl XXXVIII Host Committee as Houston was the host city for 2004.
The 146-room property, designed by the acclaimed firm Roman & Williams, will be housed within the original 121-year-old brew house of the Pearl Brewery founded by Otto Koehler. A truly unique property, Hotel Emma highlights Pearl’s long history by reusing and repurposing elements salvaged in the renovation of the building. The name Hotel Emma pays homage to the legacy of founder Otto Koehler’s wife, Emma Koehler, who helmed the brewery successfully through prohibition after the untimely death of her husband.
For more information on Hotel Emma, visit www.thehotelemma.com and Pearl at www.atpearl.com .
