Hilton veteran takes charge at Langham

Armin Schroecker has become general manager of Hilton's five-star Langham hotel in London.

He replaces Jean Pierre Manardi, who has transferred to the Hilton Hong Kong.

Austrian-born Schroecker has worked for Hilton International for 27 years, starting at the Hilton London Kensington.

Over nearly three decades he has opened, rebranded and managed hotels for the group around the world - in Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, South-east Asia, Egypt and South Africa.

Highlights of this time included launching Hilton International in South Africa and a three-year stint in Cairo refurbishing the Nile Hilton.

He said on his return to the UK capital: "The Langham is one of those pinnacle properties that everyone dreams of running. It's not a position you say no to."

Schroeker intends to be highly visible in his new role. He said: "A general manager should be out on the floor, meeting guests and listening to staff, not behind the scenes under a mountain of paper.

"Five-star hotels are luxury products and should be delivered with a personal touch."

by Angela Frewin