Hersha Names Steve Kovats GM of Sheraton at Woodbridge Place
Regional Director of Operations
DECEMBER 6, 2006. Hersha Hospitality Management today announced Z. Steve Kovats as general manager of the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place and as regional director of operations responsible for providing opening and above- property support for other full service properties under development.
At the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place, Kovats will help design and implement a significant renovation of the 307-room hotel, including planned enhancements to its lobby and other common spaces, food and beverage outlets, and the existing 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
Kovats has a distinguished 25-year career in full service operations, including 15 years with Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. and 6 years with White Lodging Services Corporation. His tenure includes 10 years of experience as general manager of three different Marriott hotels, including two four-star hotels, and as a regional director of operations at White Lodging of 11 full service hotels, including hotels franchised by Marriott, Westin, Hilton, and Sheraton. Kovats also has a deep food and beverage background, having started his career as executive chef of an upscale restaurant that produced $3 million in annual revenues, and progressing to serve as the opening general manager of the Marriott Norfolk Downtown, which included the first Shulas 347 concept restaurant, and responsibility for the Parkway Grille Street Side Concept in the Detroit Marriott Pontiac. Kovats was also opening general manager of the Columbus Marriott Downtown, which Marriott announced as Hotel Opening of the Year in 1998.
Just two weeks ago, Hersha Hospitality Management announced as its president, Tom Reese, who spent the majority of his 28-year career in executive operations with Marriott International, most notably as general manager of the Marriott Marquis in New York City. "Steve will further bolster our full service management and food and beverage capabilities, while bringing strong leadership to the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place. We intend to renovate and position this hotel as one of the premier conference and banquet hotels in Northern New Jersey, which is part of our fastest growing cluster in and around New York City."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
