HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – – (February 25, 2020)—Guido Kerpel, COO of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced that veteran hotelier, Matthew Mackenzie, has been named general manager of the historic Westin Nova Scotian on the Halifax waterfront. Previously, Mackenzie was the general manager of the New Castle-owned and operated Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.
During his tenure at the Algonquin, Mackenzie oversaw the renovation of the hotel’s world-class golf course, nearly doubled the hotel’s historic high revenue mark and hosted Prime Minister Trudeau’s first cabinet meeting as well as a conference attended by all the nation’s premiers.
“When it comes to creating memorable experiences for guests, Matt is second to none,” said Kerpel. “With the Westin’s recently completed renovation, we have a one-of-a-kind hotel that has no equal in the Maritimes. Matt is the perfect leader for the next phase in the life of this landmark hotel.”
“The Westin’s renovation has thoroughly modernized the guest experience while retaining the historic feel for which it is renowned,” said Mackenzie. “With a “like-new” hotel and our tradition of providing exceptional service as a foundation, I look forward to elevating our levels of personalized service and recognition to set a new benchmark in Maritime hospitality.
“Westin’s regular business travelers know that we provide the services and amenities to help them maintain their personal equilibrium when they are on the road,” Mackenzie added. “Leisure travelers will find no better location for an authentic Haligonian experience than our historic hotel, located on the waterfront where history has been made time and again. We will be well positioned to compete against the new product that will enter the market over the next 18 months.”
Prior to taking the helm at the Algonquin, Mackenzie operated the Keltic Lodge for two seasons under New Castle’s agreement with the province of Nova Scotia. Earlier in his career, he played key leadership roles at some of Canada’s most prestigious hotels including, The Banff Center, the world’s largest arts and creativity incubator, Sooke Harbour House, Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.
