Singapore Marriott Hotel Names New General Manager, Executive Chef

SINGAPORE--(Marketwired - Sep 17, 2014) - The Singapore Marriott Hotel, a luxury property in the heart of Singapore's famed Orchard Road shopping district, is pleased to announce that Simon Bell and Matthew Van Der Zwan have been named general manager and executive chef, respectively. The two contribute to their new roles more than 40 years of combined hospitality industry experience.

General Manager Simon Bell
In his new role, Simon leads all operations for the recently transformed, 393-room luxury property and reinforces its reputation as the premier five-star hotel in Singapore.

"I am very excited to have the honor of joining the great team of associates at the Singapore Marriott Hotel," said Simon. "This iconic hotel is well known for its refined customer service and exceptional food and beverage offerings. Additionally, all the guestrooms in the hotel have recently been renovated, positioning the hotel as one of the most luxurious hotels in Singapore.

"I am very thankful to Tang Holdings and Marriott International for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to improving on the success of this hotel for many years to come."

Since joining Marriott in 1992 at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast, Australia, Simon has held positions of increasing responsibility in disciplines including sales and marketing, operations, finance and revenue management. He first served as general manager in 2009 at the Courtyard Seoul Times Square, where he successfully opened the nation's first Courtyard hotel. His leadership abilities later helped pave the way for the property to win the coveted 2010 Hotel of the Year award.

Prior to joining the Singapore Marriott Hotel, Simon was general manager of the Renaissance Hotel Seoul, where he simultaneously guided the Seoul Business Council through challenging economic conditions.

Executive Chef Matthew Van Der Zwan
In his new role as the Singapore Marriott Hotel's executive chef, Matthew, who previously served since 2012 as the property's executive sous chef, leads a kitchen team of 100. He also oversees the Singapore Marriott Hotel's five award-winning restaurants, renowned amongst the finest restaurants in Singapore's Orchard Road district. Additionally, Matthew supervises in-room dining, banquets and events and is responsible for all menu development and food and beverage quality control for the property, which is a perpetual favorite among Singapore event venues.

"I am thrilled and honored to be selected as executive chef and to have the opportunity to continue the culinary legacy of the Singapore Marriott Hotel," said Matthew.

Since beginning his culinary career at the age of 16, Matthew has worked across the Asia Pacific region, from the classic country estate of Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills, to top Melbourne establishments such as the Sofitel Melbourne, The Australian Club and The Point Albert Park Lake, where he earned a prestigious Chef's Hat Award by The Age Good Food Guide. He has also helmed the kitchens of the award-winning Mesa-Manifesto Restaurant and Tapas Bar in Shanghai as well as Carlson Hotels in Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.

About the Singapore Marriott Hotel
The Singapore Marriott Hotel is best known for its iconic green pagoda roof in the heart of Singapore's Orchard Road business and entertainment hub. Located directly above the Orchard Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, the hotel is perfectly positioned to connect guests to the rest of the island throughout their stay. Guest rooms were newly redesigned with the discerning traveler in mind, featuring state-of-the-art furnishings and technology upgrades such as signature 1956 leather Eames Desk Chairs, Marriott Revive® bedding and 46-inch Full-HD Smart TV's. Additionally, two new room categories are now available: The Premier Deluxe Room offers an elevated experience, while the Studio Room, with its separate work space, walk-in wardrobe and dedicated vanity area is ideal for business travelers looking to work and relax effortlessly.