Spotlight on New General Manager: Dieter Schmitz
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 thru a closure and successful reopening in the hotels first year of operations due to the pandemic.
In 2014 Schmitz rejoined IHG Hotels & Resorts as area general manager for the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan, EVEN Hotel New York – Times Square South, and Midtown East. He spearheaded the opening and operation of the three new Manhattan properties across a five-year tenure, eight years combined with the company. His focus on maximizing guest experiences earned the hotels top rankings on Trip Advisor inclusive of being named onto the “Top 25 Hotels in the USA” list as well as company leading RGI, employee engagement and guest satisfaction scores for three straight years. Prior Schmitz led the openings of the Lakehouse Hotel and Resort in San Diego (“Top 25 Hotels in the USA”), and two additional new builds via the independent Shore Hotel in Santa Monica (Four Diamonds and leading ranking on TA) and IHG’s Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. His new post follows tenure as VP of Upscale Brands for Choice Hotels where he spearheaded growth for seven brands and over 300 properties.
“I am tremendously excited to return to NYC during such an exciting time for Sofitel New York,” said Schmitz. “With an unbeatable location and forthcoming renovation, I look forward to introducing our future flagship property to the world. Our team is committed to excellence and creating personable guest experiences. We’re taking Sofitel New York to the next level.”
Schmitz’s leadership has been rewarded with several career achievements, including numerous hotels receiving recognition by Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed “Hot List” and “Best New Hotels in the World,” and Travel + Leisure’s “It List” for “Best New Hotels” as well as “Best New Bars and Restaurants in the World” for Riggs Washington DC.
Schmitz holds a bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University. He loves spending time with his family and friends in Austria and California, including his wife Isabell, their children Nico and Leni, and their beloved French bulldog Wellington. He enjoys culinary adventures, travel escapades, unwinding with hiking, pickle ball and tennis, and rooting for hockey’s LA Kings and football’s Dallas Cowboys.
About Sofitel New York
Sofitel New York, part of Accor, emanates contemporary French elegance in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The hotel features 398 guest rooms, including 52 suites, that marry Parisian style with New York’s urban spirit. Sofitel New York delights guests with heartfelt and committed luxury with a French zest, offering a seamless blend of local culture and French joie de vivre. The hotel is centrally located at 45 West 44th Street, affording easy access to Fifth Avenue and Broadway theaters. For reservations, call 212-354-8844 or visit www.sofitel-new-york.com. Follow Sofitel New York on Instagram and Facebook.
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit www.group.accor.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
sofitel.com | accorhotels.com
Media Contacts:
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Julie Thomas
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Jenna Bush
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