October Edition

We are excited to welcome Dieter Schmitz, a seasoned hotelier with over two decades of experience, as he joins Sofitel New York as General Manager. The appointment brings Schmitz back to New York City to focus on rejuvenating the luxury Midtown Manhattan hotel. Schmitz’s accomplishments are marked by a keen focus on orchestrating successful launches, rejuvenation, and repositioning high-profile flagship assets for brands like IHG, Marriott, and independent luxury properties such as Riggs DC. He’s spearheaded eight luxury and lifestyle hotel openings and renovations in New York, Washington, D.C., Arizona, and California. His dedication to flourishing team cultures and personable guest experiences have earned hotels under his leadership consistent number-one industry rankings.

Schmitz’s General Manager oversight experience includes roles as the market general manager, U.S. mainland for Marriott Vacations Worldwide in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this role, he led the opening of the Marriott ADERO Autograph Collection Resort mid-pandemic, following a $100 million redevelopment, achieving a AAA Four Diamond ranking in its first year. Preceding ADERO Schmitz was the area general manager for Lore’s Group luxury debut in the US leading the high-profile opening of the five-star Riggs DC where he developed a long-term brand strategy, differentiating luxury guest experience and earned numerous prestigious accolades. He also led Riggs through closure and successful reopening in the hotel’s first year of operations due to the pandemic.