FRANKLIN, Tenn., June 24, 2019 – The Harpeth, a Curio Collection by Hilton™ hotel, announced today the appointment of Kimberly Elder as Director of Sales and William Friedrichs as Director of Food & Beverage for the new 119-room boutique hotel. Elder and Friedrichs will spearhead sales and culinary teams, respectively, at the new luxury hotel, set to open in the heart of historic Franklin, Tenn. in August 2019.
As Director of Sales, Elder is responsible for driving sales and business growth strategies for Franklin’s first downtown hotel. A tenured hospitality industry sales professional, Elder brings nearly two decades of experience with sales and event management to The Harpeth. Prior to joining The Harpeth, Elder served as Director of Sales at Hyatt Place Nashville/Franklin, where she spent nearly five years leading and executing sales strategies and business growth for the property.
Elder previously held other management roles across catering and sales departments at The Hermitage Hotel, Grand Hyatt Atlanta and The Westin Peachtree. She earned her bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Northern Arizona University.
As Director of Food & Beverage, Friedrichs leads the culinary concepts at The Harpeth’s 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails and McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions, as well as spearheading the property’s extensive F&B programming. A results-driven food and beverage professional, Friedrichs brings more than 15 years of food and beverage experience at luxury hotels, an international cruise line and an iconic event room and cocktail lounge to his role.
Prior to joining The Harpeth, Friedrichs served as Director of Food and Beverage at Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Friedrichs also previously oversaw food and beverage programming for the Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, The Rainbow Room in New York City, The Knickerbocker Hotel and The Joule. Friederichs earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Sydney University. He also holds both Sommelier and Butler certifications.
“Kimberly and Will’s passion for the hospitality industry, strong leadership skills and exceptional experience make them great assets to the property as we prepare to open in historic Franklin this summer,” said Justin Foster, General Manager of The Harpeth. “We are thrilled to have them onboard and are confident they will make a positive impact on The Harpeth’s guest’s experience, as well as the Franklin Community.”
The Harpeth will be located at 130 2nd Avenue N in Franklin, Tenn., providing guests with easy access to explore the unique culture, local dining and shops, art galleries, entertainment venues, the acclaimed Historic Main Street, while journeying back into history at one of the civil war museums and battlefield.
For more information about The Harpeth, visit https://www.harpethhotel.com or connect on Instagram @theharpethhotel, Facebook @HarpethHotel and Twitter @HarpethHotel.
