Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel Makes Executive Appointments

Wendell Bush Named GM and Melanie Koscelnak Named DoSM

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. May 11, 2011

Chicago, IL - May 10, 2011 - The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel has announced the appointments of two executives to head up the historic property on Michigan Avenue: Wendell Bush as General Manager and Melanie Koscelnak as Director of Sales and Marketing. Two seasoned hotel professionals with nearly 40 years of combined experience behind them, Bush and Koscelnak will oversee on-property management, sales and marketing operations for the historic Beaux-Arts landmark in Chicago's South Loop.

"We are thrilled to have two such experienced hospitality professionals join the team at the Blackstone," said Alexandra Walterspiel, Senior Vice President of Premier & Lifestyle Brands for Sage Hospitality, which manages the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel. "Both Wendell and Melanie bring infectious passion for hospitality, and we're excited to welcome them to what one of the city's most dynamic historic hotels."

Wendell Bush, General Manager
Bush joins The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel from The Omni Fort Worth Hotel, which he joined as opening Hotel Manager in 2009. Previously, he spent several successful years with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, serving as Hotel Manager of the 1,068-room Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta and General Manager of the Westin Grand in Washington, D.C. Bush got his start in hospitality as a desk clerk at the Doubletree Hotel in Nashville. An active and involved professional, he served on the Board of Directors for the Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. and the Hotel Association of Tarrant County, Texas.

A native of Tennessee, Bush credits his passion for his profession to this grandmother, who ran several restaurants while he was growing up and taught the valuable lesson of treating people like they are guests in your home. Bush earned a Business Administration degree from University of East London in England. He currently resides in Chicago, where he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

Melanie Koscelnak , Director of Sales and Marketing
Koscelnak joins The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel from The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, where she began as a Sales Manager in 2000 and was promoted first to Director of Group Sales, then to Director of Sales & Marketing. Previously she held an sales positions at an array of hotel properties in or near the Steel City, including Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, Embassy Suites Pittsburgh Airport and the Harrisburg Marriott. She got her start as an Executive Meeting Manager at Pittsburgh Green Tree Marriott back in 1995.

Born and raised Pittsburgh, Koscelnak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. She currently resides Chicago and enjoys exploring the city and spending time with friends and family.

The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel
The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel is located in the heart of Chicago's arts and theater district and adjacent to Grant Park. The historic property, which has accommodated 12 U.S. presidents, is a Beaux-Arts architectural landmark offering 332 stylish rooms, among them the fabled Presidential Suite and legendary "Smoke-Filled Room"; the award-winning destination restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, serving Catalan-inspired cuisine; an extensive collection of contemporary art by emerging artists; a 23rd floor Concierge Lounge with sweeping views of Lake Michigan; and 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including the lavishly restored Crystal Ballroom. Opened in 1910, closed in 1999, and reopened in 2008 following a $128 million showcase restoration by Sage Hospitality, The Blackstone's decor is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services. For reservations: 1 888-236-2427; www.theblackstonehotel.com.