Former Pierre Manager Returns to Lead Historic Hotel into its 75th Year
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has named 
general manager of The Pierre New York, a Taj Hotel. The Pierre is delighted to welcome back an old friend, as Kuenstle spent four years earlier in his hospitality career at the landmark hotel on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
“We are pleased to welcome this famed hotelier to the Taj family,” says Raymond Bickson, managing director, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd., which operates Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. “Mr. Kuenstle’s familiarity with The Pierre and extensive hospitality background in New York and Europe will extend our success in this luxury market. As we move forward to restore The Pierre to its grande dame status, Mr. Kuenstle will provide a stable foundation for our welcoming staff.”
Previously, Kuenstle was general manager at The Lowell Hotel, New York, since June 2001. Under his management, the hotel garnered many recognitions and awards. In 2003, Kuenstle was voted one the “50 Best Hoteliers in the World” by Leaders Magazine.
With nearly 20 years of hotel experience, Kuenstle began his career in Germany where he apprenticed at the three-star Michelin restaurant Schwarzwald Stube, oversaw the one-star Michelin restaurant at Moench’s Posthotel, and served as manager of Hotel Domizil before coming to America. He began at The Pierre New York in 1994 as assistant manager housekeeping and rose to guest service manager and front office manager before leaving for the Plaza Athénée, New York where he served as Rooms Division Manager.
The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel, is located at 61st Street and Fifth Avenue across from Central Park. Opened in 1930, the 41-story Georgian-style building features old-world charm and modern-day amenities and services.
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 56 hotels in 39 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Seychelles, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.
For more information, please visit www.tajhotels.com
