Leonardo Lorenzo Director of Catering at Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago, Ill. (USA) – December 20, 2012 – The has named Leonardo Lorenzo as Director of Catering and Christine Lo as Senior Catering Manager. In these roles, Lorenzo and Lo will oversee Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s catering operations for both social events and business functions in over 6,000-square feet of private event space.
Most recently, Leonardo worked as the Senior Catering Sales Manager at the Waldorf Astoria New York. Prior to joining Waldorf Astoria, Leonardo managed catering sales and executive meetings at other luxury hotels including Trump SoHo New York and Intercontinental Chicago. Lorenzo has an extensive background with Hilton Hotels Worldwide having also worked at The Drake Hotel in Chicago and the Hilton Buenos Aires. Leonardo received an Associate of Science in Hospitality Management at Hocking College in the U.S. and a degree in Hotel Management Administration from the International Buenos Aires Hotel & Restaurant School. He is fluent in Spanish.
Senior Catering Manager Christine Lo joins the culinary team at Waldorf Astoria Chicago with over six years of experience leading the Corporate Market Catering Team at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Lo received a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University.
“We are pleased Lorenzo and Lo will lead our catering team at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago,” said Sean Lynch, Director of Sales and Marketing. “Their extensive domestic and international backgrounds in catering and events are a perfect fit for our events, whether small or grand, social or corporate.”
With timeless décor reminiscent of 1920’s Paris, personalized menus and a staff who is devoted to exceeding expectations, celebrations and meetings at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago are always extraordinary.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Appoints Andrew Johnson as Executive Pastry Chef
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago has also appointed Andrew Johnson as Executive Pastry Chef for the entire hotel operation, including its Balsan restaurant, in-room dining, and catering & events. Johnson, who has served as Pastry Sous Chef at the hotel, will now oversee all patisserie and confectionery offerings, such as seasonal creations, desserts, and signature breads.
“We are excited that Johnson will lead our pastry team,” said Elizabeth Carrier, Director of Food and Beverage. “Johnson’s ability to create breads and pastries with an emphasis on flavor, texture and detail makes for a perfect pairing with our talented culinary team.”
A seasoned pastry chef and graduate of The Illinois Institute of Art -Chicago, Johnson brings over a decade of patisserie experience to the table. Johnson joined the Waldorf Astoria Chicago (previously the Elysian Hotel) as Pastry Sous Chef in 2009. Until that time, Johnson was Head Baker and Assistant Pastry Chef at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago.
About the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located in the heart of the chic Gold Coast neighborhood near the most exclusive shops, restaurants and nightlife. Through innovations in service and technology, the 188-room hotel creates a new experience in luxury – energetic and fashion forward; warm and welcoming; fresh and engaging. The hotel boasts the award-winning 14,000 square-foot Elysian Spa & Health Club; Balsan, a casual market-driven bistro; and 4,500-square feet of private event space. Having opened its doors in late 2009, the hotel has quickly accumulated a list of prestigious awards and accolades including: 5-diamond rating by AAA for 2011 and 2012; #1 U.S hotel by readers of Conde Nast Traveler; #1 U.S. hotel by U.S. News & World Report; #3 U.S. city hotel in Travel + Leisure.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.
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