Hilton Hefei has announced its new executive team as it gears up for its opening in February 2007.

Hilton Hefei has appointed Andrew Lim as its Financial Controller. The Singapore native has extensive regional and head office experience over the last 24 years in the Auditing, Retail and Hospitality industries in Singapore, China, Malaysia and Vietnam. He has also done internal audit work in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Thailand and Australia for hotels. Lim was Director of Finance for Crowne Plaza Sanya before joining Hilton Hefei.

Lucy Mao has joined the hotel as Human Resources Manager. Prior to her Hilton Hefei post, she earned over 11 years of experience in human resources management in the hotel industry. She was human resources director for Sofitel Xanadu Resort Hangzhou before coming to Hefei.

Hilton Hefei has named Kevin Lees as its Executive Housekeeper. Australian-born, Lees brings with him 15 years of solid experience as Executive Housekeeper in 10 Hilton hotels in Australia, U.S.A., India, Sri Lanka and China. Hilton Hefei's pre-opening team is his fourth in China. Prior to Hilton Hefei, he was posted in Hilton Guam in the same capacity.

Peter Rugg has been appointed as the hotel's Front Office Manager. With 7 years hotel experience spanning several countries, Rugg is poised to make an impact on Hefei's largest and most luxurious hotel. Having started his career with Hilton when selected as part of the company's highly-competitive management development program, Elevator, he was posted abroad of his native Australia to Sri Lanka and then Japan to complete his traineeship. He has spent the last two years as the Assistant Front Desk Manager in Hilton Dubai Creek before taking up the challenge of Front Office Manager at Hilton Hefei.

Arlene Wong is the hotel's Public Relations Manager. A management economics graduate, she previously worked as editorial assistant for the Philippine's largest-selling business magazine, Entrepreneur Philippines. She completed an editorial internship with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai before joining Hilton Hefei.

The hotel has appointed Bart Guo as Chief Engineer. Guo spearheaded the construction and engineering projects of top hotels all over China. During the last two years, he served as Director of Engineering for Renmin Square Xian, a complex encompassing 4 hotels.

James Lu is the new Director for Sales of Hilton Hefei. Lu has 14 years of experience in the travel and hotel industries. He has a Swiss Higher Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Swiss School of Hotel and Tourism Management.

The hotel welcomes Belinda Li as its Purchasing Manager. Since joining the hospitality industry in 1993, Li has gained significant experience in the areas of food and beverage management and purchasing. A skilled negotiator, Li was Purchasing Manager of Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel and Towers before joining Hilton Hefei.

Ploy Jittakarn is the new Spa Manager for Hilton Hefei. Jittakarn started her career in the beauty and recreation industry with Banyan Tree Resort and Spa. She gained experience over the years as Spa Training Manager for various hotel spas in different Chinese cities. She will oversee operations of “The SPA@Hilton,” Hefei's most comprehensive and luxurious 6,000 square meter health club.