A hotel veteran with over 30 years of international hotel
experience, Mr. Gerd Knaust has extensive hotel management
experience in Asia and Europe, including Mailand China, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Germany.
Prior to joining in Hilton Shanghai, Knaust joined Hilton
International as the Cluster General Manager of Conrad and
Doubletree by Hilton Sanya Haitang Bay in 2010. Over the past few
years, he has been instrumental in the successful development of
Conrad and Doubletree by Hilton Sanya, the first Conrad hotel and
the sixth Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Mainland China, overseeing
the luxury resort project development throughout its pre-opening
phase, from the architectural and interior design
concept.
With the passion for culinary art, Knaust started his hotel career
as a chef in Germany where he obtained his Master Diploma in
Business and Kitchen Management. In 1988, he worked in Asia for the
first time as Executive Sous Chef of a 5-star resort in Penang,
Malaysia. Then, he took up various management positions in other
Asian cities, namely Singapore, Indonesia, Beijing, Hong Kong and
Mailand China.
His first General Manager position was in Indonesia at Mandarin
Oriental, Surabaya, a 5-star heritage resort, where he led the team
on property for over three years. In 2006, Knaust moved to Mandarin
Oriental, Sanya as pre opening General Manager.
He is also heavily involved in recruitment, as well as sales and
marketing strategies. Drawing on his past skills as a chef, he also
worked closely with the Food and Beverage team to develop the
hotel＊s restaurant concepts and menus.
Knaust previously worked for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,
Shangri-La International and Hyatt International, and his first job
in China dated back in 1991 when he was the Executive Sous Chef of
China World Hotel Beijing.
A keen sportsman, Knaust is also an enthusiastic student of
international cultures and has a passion for golf, Chinese Arts
Culture and Travelling.
Hilton Shanghai
Set in the heart of Shanghai's business and entertainment centre,
the Hilton Shanghai is within walking distance of major
corporations and the main shopping districts. Business is a
pleasure here with 18 meeting rooms, including the new uniquely
designed Grand Ballroom. The hotel boasts an Executive Lounge and
24-hour business center. All rooms offer wireless internet access.
The 3,000 square meter spa is an oasis for exercising and relaxing,
with a gym, pool, tennis and squash courts and 8 treatment rooms.
The Hilton Shanghai is also now in its seventh consecutive year as
the city's exclusive hotel sponsor to the ATP Shanghai Rolex
Masters Tennis Tournament.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company,
spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and
resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 92
years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering 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 3,600 hotels and 600,000
rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels &
Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts,
Doubletree, 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(R). For more information about
the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.
SOURCE: Hilton Shanghai