Denihan Hospitality Group Announces Several General Manager Moves and New Appointments

NEW YORK, NY, N.Y., Feb. 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denihan Hospitality Group, a 50-year owner and operator of 14 boutique/lifestyle hotels in New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Miami, has announced new general manager appointments in several of its hotels, according to Danette Opaczewski, Denihan's executive vice president of operations and technology.

The James:

Glenda Maldonado, who joined Denihan 24 years ago as a New York City College of Technology graduate, steps into the role of general manager of The James, New York (SoHo). Maldonado was most recently general manager of the SHOREHAM, a boutique hotel in midtown Manhattan, and previously served as assistant general manager of Affinia Dumont in New York City's Murray Hill.

Mike Shaff joins The James Royal Palm, Miami as general manager. Most recently vice president and general manager of Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, Shaff brings over 15 years of experience at some of the country's top resort destinations, including La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad (San Diego), and La Quinta Resort & Club in the greater Palm Springs (California) area.

The Benjamin:

Steve Sasso, former general manager of Denihan's Affinia Gardens and the Eastgate Tower, is promoted to general manager of The Benjamin in midtown Manhattan, which includes The National Bar and Dining Rooms. Prior to joining Denihan, Sasso served as hotel manager at Acqualina Resort & Spa on The Beach in Sunny Isles, Fla and as director of operations at The Copley Square Hotel in Boston. Earlier, he served in several managerial positions for W Hotels in New York City.

The Affinia Hotel Collection:

Roger Aberth, a 30-year industry veteran, has joined The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia hotel in Washington, D.C. Aberth spent more than 20 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in Latin America where he was general manager of the Sheraton Montevideo, Uruguay; The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico; the Sheraton Colonia Golf & Spa Resort, Uruguay; and the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa in Iguazu Falls, Argentina. He joins Denihan from The Westin Arlington Gateway and Sheraton Premiere at Tyson's Corner, Virginia, where he served as general manager of the complex.

Jennifer Baldwin is named general manager of Affinia Dumont in Manhattan's Murray Hill. Most recently senior director of operations and director of learning and development for Denihan, Baldwin has served as general manager of The Bentley Hotel and regional general manager of the Empire and Moderne hotels, all in New York City. She began her career at Denihan and climbed the ranks through operations, sales and human resources.

Alex Spektor, an 18-year Denihan veteran, has been promoted to general manager of Affinia Manhattan, the 618-room property adjacent to Madison Square Garden that recently completed a $25 million, Rockwell Group-designed renovation. He assumes his new role after serving in general manager positions at New York City's Affinia Dumont and Affinia Gardens (Upper East Side).

About Denihan Hospitality Group

Denihan Hospitality Group is a privately-held, full-service hotel management and development company that owns and/or operates 14 boutique hotels in major urban markets in the U.S. Over the past 50 years, the Denihan family has built a world-class lodging investment platform within the boutique hotel space, creating value by acquiring, repositioning and managing independent hotels.

The Denihan portfolio includes properties operating under The James and Affinia Hotels brands, as well as Manhattan luxury independents, The Surrey and The Benjamin, and additional independent affiliates in New York City. Denihan's hotels include an impressive list of chef-driven restaurants and bars, including Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's The National Bar and Dining Rooms at The Benjamin; David Burke Kitchen at The James New York; Daniel Boulud's Café Boulud at The Surrey; David Burke's Primehouse at The James Chicago; and Art Smith's Art and Soul at the Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia hotel in Washington, D.C.

The company's uniquely guest-centric approach, refined through three generations of Denihan leadership, has made it an industry leader in hospitality, property and restaurant development, as well as hotel operations, management and marketing.
More details can be found at http://www.denihan.com.