Hilton Worldwide has announced the appointment of Alessandro Maurizio Cabella as general manager of the historic Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, a move which will see the skilled hotelier and native Italian take the reins of one of the world’s leading luxury hotels, at a date to be disclosed.
Cabella will join a hotel that last year marked its 50th anniversary and in 2014 celebrates 20 years of La Pergola, renowned chef Heinz Beck’s three Michelin star restaurant, widely regarded as one of Italy’s finest establishments at the cutting edge of modern cuisine. Cabella previously managed the launch of Conrad Algarve in 2012, another stunning luxury hotel which has garnered multiple awards, including Portugal’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards, and is host to another of Beck’s celebrated restaurants, Gusto by Heinz Beck.
Cabella’s glittering 20 year career has seen him oversee hotels in France, Monaco, Portugal and Italy, including most recently the stunning Hilton Molino Stucky Venice.
Jean Faivre, Area Vice President at Hilton Worldwide said, “Alessandro has fantastic insight into successfully running luxury hotels in beautiful surroundings, so he was the obvious choice for this position. He has a deep understanding of the luxury hotel market and I’m sure he will excel in offering guests at the Rome Cavalieri our signature True Waldorf Service experience.”
Enclosed in fifteen acres of lush Mediterranean parklands, Rome Cavalieri is a calm retreat, yet is located just minutes from the heart of the city’s great monuments. The first Hotel in Europe to be part of the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, it boasts an art collection to rival many museums and a Grand Spa that has seen it win the 2013 award for Italy’s Best Luxury Hotel Spa at the Luxury Hotel Awards.
Speaking of his new position, Cabella said, “Having launched another of Hilton Worldwide’s luxury properties, it is an honour to take the reins at one of the world’s most celebrated luxury classics. As an Italian it will be a privilege to work in the Eternal City and build on the incredible legacy left by my predecessors. ”
Cabella replaces current General Manager, Serge Ethuin, who having spent a prestigious career with Hilton Worldwide spanning over three decades, is returning to his native France to seek new opportunities.
Since joining Rome Cavalieri six years ago, Ethuin has overseen its rebranding to Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, secured various awards for the property, including Best Spa in Europe by Travel and Leisure Magazine and hosted a range of glamorous conferences for brands including Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Ethuin’s success also led to him being awarded General Manager of the Year for Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts in 2011.
Faivre added, “Serge has been a huge asset to our company over the last 31 years. Having started in the front office at our Hilton properties in France in the 1980s, he has taken on various positions within some of our most iconic hotels throughout Europe and beyond, including Hilton London on Park Lane and most recently oversaw the 50th anniversary of the Rome Cavalieri. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him all the very best for the future.”
