HOTELS Magazine Honors Hans Bruland as Independent Hotelier of the World 2015

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HOTELS Magazine, the leading magazine of the worldwide hotel industry, celebrates the announcement of The Hay-Adams Vice President & General Manager, Hans Bruland, as its Independent Hotelier of the World for 2015, spotlighting his achievements in their November cover story Hoteliers of the World. Editor in Chief Jeff Weinstein highlights Bruland's "strength of character and steady leadership, which readily earns the respect of contemporaries and peers," as being instrumental to his win.

More than 90,000 readers from 160 countries cast their votes in the 'Independent Hotelier of the World' awards each year, and only an outstanding personality from the international hotel sector can win the title. The awards recognize individuals and their careers with criteria including how the nominees have defined standards of service; overall operational excellence and performance; creativity in management; and what they have done for the greater good of the global hotel business. Awarded since 1986, it is one of the most prestigious titles in the global hotel industry. Bruland will be the 17th winner in the United States and only the second Washington, DC hotelier to be so honored. Herve Houdre of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel captured the coveted award in 2006.

The Hay-Adams, located at 800 16th Street NW, in Washington, DC, has long been the residence of choice for the most discriminating visitors and has consistently been recognized as one of the top 500 hotels in the world by top-tier travel publications, including being named to Travel + Leisure's Top 100 Hotels in the World in 2015. With The Hay-Adams having been honored with a number of prestigious awards during Bruland's eighteen year stewardship, Frank Saul ll, chairman of the owning company of The Hay-Adams, is delighted the spotlight has been turned onto Bruland for this recognition from his peers.

"Hans Bruland certainly deserves the highest accolades," says Saul. "He is a supremely talented general manager and the respect and affection that our 'regulars' at The Hay-Adams have for him is legendary."

Bruland's passion for his profession is unabated even after more than 50 years in the industry. "Nothing excites me more than going into The Hay-Adams every morning," says Bruland. "It's the ability ultimately to be responsible, look at the environment and the quality that it represents and the recognition that you garner for it. There is also the ability to give the people working with you an opportunity for growth. My philosophy is people always come first because without their loyalty and trust, I cannot expect to build a culture that is sustainable. To be recognized by my peers with this award, is one of the most personally meaningful honors I have received."

Hans Bruland has served as the general manager of the historic Hay-Adams since December 1998. He brought more than 26 years of hospitality industry experience to this landmark property. In June 2001, Bruland assumed additional responsibilities as vice president of the Hay-Adams Management Company, LLC. No stranger to Washington, D.C., Bruland moved to the nation's capital in 1991, to accept the position of general manager of the Westin Hotel. He retained his responsibilities with All Nippon Airways after the company assumed ownership and management of the hotel until 1998. Additionally, Bruland directed the restructuring of the 5-star ANA Grand Hotel in Vienna, Austria, and consulted for ANA's Guam and San Francisco properties, while maintaining his position in Washington. Bruland has also held senior positions in Westin Hotels and ANA Hotels International. He is a member of the Board of The Washington Performing Arts Society; a member of Leadership Greater Washington, Board of Trade, The German American Business Council and serves on the Board of the Business Improvement District, The Golden Triangle. He resides with his wife, Josie Bruland, in Washington, D.C.

The award-winning Hay-Adams hotel is located at 800 16th Street NW, Washington DC, 20006, across Lafayette Square from the White House. The historic Hay-Adams offers guests Washington's most prestigious address with views overlooking the White House, Lafayette Square and St. John's Church, the "Church of the Presidents."   The hotel is just minutes from the Smithsonian, the Museums, the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, the Mall, as well as convenient to Metro stations and the convention center. For reservations or more information call (202) 638-6600 or visit their website at www.hayadams.com.