CHICAGO – November 2, 2015 – Hilton Worldwide is pleased to announce the appointment of Marlene Poynder as General Manager at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. In her new role, Poynder will oversee the day-to-day operations of the luxury property, which boasts 189 rooms and suites and continues to be rated one of the best hotels in North America. Poynder will report directly to Ronen Nissenbaum, Vice President of Operations-Luxury Hotels, Americas.
“I am thrilled to welcome Marlene Poynder to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago and announce her appointment to the position of General Manager,” said Ronen Nissenbaum of Hilton Worldwide. “Marlene brings a wealth of international experience in luxury hotels and will be instrumental in the ongoing success and growth of the hotel through her proven leadership and reputation of building high performing teams.”
Poynder commented, “I am honored to continue to be a part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand and am thrilled to join such an outstanding team here in Chicago known for its commitment to the highest quality of service.”
Poynder brings more than 20 years of experience to the role with her accomplished background in the hotel and tourism industry, holding various senior managerial positions in Australia, Asia, New Zealand and North America. Most recently, Poynder was General Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Beijing where she led the opening of the iconic property. Prior to her role at Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Poynder joined the China Hotel Operations team and spent three months as General Manager at the Conrad and Hilton Hotels Dalian in North China.
“Marlene brings her vast experience and expertise in hospitality to lead our brand's Chicago hotel, and we are delighted to have her at the helm,” said John Vanderslice, global head, luxury and lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide. “After masterfully guiding the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Marlene is the perfect fit to oversee our acclaimed Chicago property, having just been ranked the best hotel in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for the third time.”
A native of Australia, Poynder joined Hilton in late 2010, opening Kawarau Village, home to the Hilton Queenstown and the Kawarau Hotel managed by Hilton. She also served in a special projects capacity at the Hilton Australasia Regional office in Sydney, Australia. Before joining Hilton, Poynder held General Manager positions at the Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia, and also held numerous sales and marketing related positions in both the hospitality and travel industries.
Located in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including expansive guest rooms and suites with gorgeous interiors, elegant fireplaces and pristine marble bathrooms, in addition to the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club with an indoor pool, fitness center and the newly opened DreamDry salon.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly through www.waldorfastoria.com have access to benefits including digital check-in, choose your room, and complimentary Wi-Fi at over 20 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts worldwide.
To learn more about or experience the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, please visit
www.waldorfastoria.com/chicago or call (312) 646-1300. For more information about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://news.waldorfastoria.com or follow us at www.facebook.com/waldorfastoria, https://instagram.com/waldorfastoria and http://twitter.com/waldorfastoria, and browse the hashtag #WaldorfMoment.
