Denihan Promotes Five to Management Positions
NEW YORK, NY, April 8, 2008. In a move that underscores its accelerated growth, Denihan Hospitality Group (DHG) has promoted five hoteliers to top management positions within its Affinia and Benjamin brands. "As we grow our brands in New York and key cities such as Chicago and Washington, D.C., one of our top priorities is to develop our people and give them the depth and breadth of experience needed to lead the next generation," said Brooke Barrett, co-CEO of DHG.
Four of the hoteliers are charter members of Affinia's Accelerated Development Program, a select leadership development program comprising associates whose leadership potential complements the company's strategic growth. The appointments include:
Brian Gehlich, general manager, Affinia 50 (155 East 50th Street) - A 15-year veteran of DHG, Brian Gehlich, 43, joined the company in 1993 as night manager of the Southgate Tower Hotel (now Affinia Manhattan). A year later, he was promoted to front office manager and, in 1998, moved to the Affinia Dumont (formerly Dumont Plaza) as assistant general manager. In 2001, Gehlich joined the Lyden Gardens (now Affinia Gardens) as general manager.
Alex Spektor, general manager, Affinia Gardens (215 East 64th Street) - A seasoned hotelier, Alex Spektor, 34, joined DHG in 1995 as guest service agent at the Eastgate Tower Hotel and was later promoted to assistant front office manager. In 2005, he was named assistant general manager of the Affinia Manhattan. Spektor is a charter member of DHG's Accelerated Development Program.
Jeff Hentze, hotel manager, Affinia Manhattan (371 Seventh Avenue) - Jeff Hentze, 33, joined DHG in 2005 as assistant general manager of The Benjamin. A charter member of the company's Accelerated Development Program, Hentze worked for the Melrose Hotel, the Algonquin and the Ritz-Carlton before joining DHG.
Arcenia Olson, assistant general manager, The Benjamin (125 East 50th Street) - With DHG since 1997, Arcenia Olson, 34, first joined the Eastgate Tower Hotel as switchboard operator and was subsequently promoted to guest service agent, assistant front office manager and guest service manager. She was later named guest service manager and front office manager at the Affinia Dumont and in 2005 was promoted to assistant general manager. A charter member of DHG's Accelerated Development Program, Olson's move to The Benjamin broadens her experience and professional development.
Jennifer Baldwin, assistant general manager, The Dumont (150 East 34th Street) - Most recently director of front office operations at the Affinia Dumont, Jennifer Baldwin, 37, joined DHG in 1992 as a guest service agent at the Affinia Gardens. Baldwin has held a range of positions of increasing responsibility, including learning and development coordinator, guest service manager, national sales manager, and learning and development specialist. Baldwin is a member of the Accelerated Development Program.
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