Waldorf Astoria New York is pleased to announce the appointments of Abby Murtagh, Resident Manager, David Garcelon, Executive Director of Food & Beverage and Peter Betz, Executive Chef. As respected professionals in the hospitality and culinary industries, Murtagh, Garcelon and Betz will bring exceptional leadership, skill and knowledge to their respective positions, allowing Waldorf Astoria New York to continue delivering unprecedented hotel service and top-quality dining experiences to guests.
“Waldorf Astoria New York is pleased to appoint Abby Murtagh, David Garcelon, and Peter Betz to their new roles,” said Michael Hoffman, General Manager, Waldorf Astoria New York. “As current members of the Waldorf Astoria team, we feel confident that their enthusiasm for our standards, attention to detail with service and the quality of guest relations will continue to elevate this property.”
Abby Murtagh, Resident Manager
The previous Executive Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage, Murtagh will continue to bring powerful leadership, direction and operational accountability for both rooms and food and beverage divisions in her new role as Resident Manager.
With experience spanning twenty years in the hospitality industry, Murtagh has held impressive leadership roles throughout her career within diverse enterprises, including Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company, CapStar, Interstate, Kimpton, Merritt/HEI, Northwood Hospitality and the Luxury division of Hilton Worldwide.
Murtagh earned a bachelor’s degree from The Cornell School of Hotel Administration with a concentration in Food and Beverage.
David Garcelon, Executive Director of Food & Beverage
Garcelon is no stranger to the kitchen with over twenty years of executive chef experience held at various locations across North America. In addition to his previous role as Director of Culinary at Waldorf Astoria New York, Garcelon’s extensive experience in the industry make him uniquely qualified for his new role as Executive Director of Food & Beverage.
Prior to joining Waldorf Astoria New York, Garcelon held positions at Fairmont Royal Hotel in Toronto, The Fairmont Southampton Bermuda, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta; and CP Hotels’ The Lodge at Kananaskis, Kananaskis, Alberta where he implemented programming to support sustainability and further his passion for food.
Garcelon, a transplant from New Brunswick, Canada, is a graduate of Cornell University and alumni of the Culinary Institute of Canada. He is also a Certified Food and Beverage Executive with the American Hotel & Motel Association and a Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation.
Peter Betz, Executive Chef
Peter Betz has been a part of the Waldorf Astoria New York family for twenty years. Through his career growth from Executive Banquet Chef to Executive Sous Chef Betz is now transitioning into his newly appointed role as Executive Chef for Waldorf Astoria New York. In this position, Betz will be responsible for overseeing the property’s food and beverage operations as well as its three distinct dining venues: the stylish Peacock Alley, the jewel of the hotel’s lobby, renowned for its extravagant brunch and seafood menu; Bull & Bear steakhouse, a Manhattan institution; and La Chine, an authentic Chinese dining experience.
A New York native, Betz earned his Associates Degree in Occupational Studies from the Culinary Institute of America.
