OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION ENHANCES LEADERSHIP TEAM

Destination Resort Hires and Promotes Associates to Add Success of Hotel Brand Portfolio

Amelia Island, FL (January 11, 2010) – The Omni Amelia Island Plantation  continues to enhance its leadership team with new associates joining the destination resort along with internal promotions. Among the new team members are the Director of Food & Beverage, Thomas Turner; Spa Director, Elizabeth Hutto; the Director of Associate Services, Claudio Cid; Mike Wagner as Sales Manager; John Lennox as Villa Marketing Manager; and Michael Asnip as Director of Real Estate Sales and Marketing. Promotions include Gary Bleil as Director of Recreation; Dale Ford as Executive Sous Chef; Aubri Bleil as Sales Manager; Kate Biava as Group Recreation and Amelia's Wheels Manager; Christa Christensen as Resort Night Manager; and Dorry Martin as Social & Group Recreation Manager.

As Director of Food & Beverage, Thomas Turner will be responsible for overseeing all food and beverage outlets, restaurants and banquet catering for the property. Turner has served as the Director of Food and Beverage for the Omni Chicago Hotel and Omni Austin Downtown as well as the University Club of Chicago, the Inn at Lost Creek and in several positions for Four Seasons. Turner is a graduate of Texas Tech University. 

Elizabeth Hutto is returning as the Spa Director for the Omni Amelia Island Plantation after serving in the position from 2001 to 2004. Hutto played a vital role in the grand opening of The Spa & Salon when it first opened in 2001. She most recently served as Spa Director at the Mokara Hotel & Spa, which was ranked #7 in the U.S. by the 2009 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards. Her past experience also includes Ritz Carlton and Reynolds Plantation. 

Claudio Cid brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to his new role as the Director of Associate Services for the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. As Director of Associate Services, Cid will be responsible for overseeing the management of human resources operations for the resort. Cid most recently served in this role at the Omni San Diego and Omni Corpus Christi. He has an extensive human resource background and has also held key operation positions with Ritz Carlton and Sonesta International Hotels. Cid is a graduate of Colorado Technical University, a Professional in Human Resources from the Society for Human Resources Management and is a certified Human Resources Professional.

"With these talented team members, we continue to enhance the management at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation," said Paul Eckert, General Manager. "We look forward to the continued success of our resort under this new leadership."

About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation

The Omni Amelia Island Plantation  is Florida’s award-winning island destination recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature. A certified Green Lodging Destination, the resort is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway. Just north of Jacksonville, FL, the 1,350-acre resort features 3½ miles of wide, uncrowded beaches; 49,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 tennis courts; a large, two-tiered poolscape and beach club; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and gift shops as well as the nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including water sports, horseback riding, walking, hiking and Segway tours. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation features 249 oceanview guest rooms. The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation Resort offer one-, two- and three-bedroom villas featuring ocean, golf or resort views. For more information about the Omni Amelia Island Plantation please call 1-800-The-Omni or visit the website at OmniAmeliaIslandPlantation.com 

ABOUT OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on “A Total Departure” to 47 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as J.D. Power and Associates, which ranked Omni as “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” in its 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM).

To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com  or call 1-800-The-Omni.

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