Award Winning General Manager Takes Helm at Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire - Apr 10, 2012) - An award winning Marriott hotel executive has recently been named General Manager of one of the brand's premier luxury hotels near Orlando Airport.

Rich Byrd, 2009 General Manager of the Year at Marriott International, has taken helm of the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel bringing with him 28 years of experience and a wealth of success and recognition. Spending 10 of the last 12 years of his career with the Marriott brand, Byrd's impressive resume is filled with awards and accomplishments, many of which were a direct result of his ability to achieve consistent operating margins, strong financial growth and market leadership. Byrd accepted the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel's position after more than three years as General Manager at the Indianapolis Hilton North, where he improved SALT scores from red zone to Platinum level in six months, grew group rooms by 28 percent and increased total rooms sold by 9,000 in eight months. Prior to that, Byrd achieved great success in the top leadership role at the Indianapolis Marriott North and it was there that he was dubbed to receive the 2009 General Manager of the Year Award, an accomplishment that did not go unnoticed by Marriott leaders.

"At Marriott, we take pride in our genuine spirit of service culture," wrote J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Inc. in commending Byrd for his achievement. "As a member of the Indianapolis Marriott North team, you have exceeded our guests' expectations."

Other accolades came from Jim Kauffman, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott's Western Region and John Reiss, Regional Vice President for Franchise Operations, who together thanked Byrd and his staff for their "continued energy and effort to provide our guests with an outstanding experience at the Indianapolis Marriott North."

In addition to claiming the top position among General Managers, Byrd led the Indianapolis Marriott North to first in Guest Satisfaction Scores in 2009 and third in 2010. Additionally, during his tenure, the hotel received Marriott International Excellence Awards in the areas of Food and Beverage, Customer Service and Staff Service for 2007, 2008 and 2009; and for Least Problems Experienced in 2008 and 2009.

The Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel's location lends it to be a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers and its 20,000 square feet of exceptional event space is ideal for corporate meetings, professional gatherings and elegant social affairs. In his new position at one of the most stylish Orlando Airport luxury hotels, Byrd will lead associates as a role model while sharing his professional expertise, innovation and achievements to best serve Orlando travelers and clientele.

About the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel

The Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel welcomes travelers with well-appointed guest rooms and hotel suites, exceptional service and comfortable amenities for an exhilarating hotel experience. The property features three dining outlets including Fresco Moderne Brasserie, a full service restaurant, Malabar, a relaxing lounge and bar, and the Daily Grind, an on-site coffee house. Conveniently located just a mile from Orlando International Airport (MCO), this sophisticated choice among Orlando hotels with airport shuttle service pampers guests with a heated outdoor pool with private cabanas, a fully equipped fitness center and convenient access to popular area attractions and business destinations.