Hilton Hotels has appointed veteran industry professional, Markus Kosch, as General Manager of Hilton Hefei, the first upscale hotel in the rapidly growing capital of Anhui Province in China that was opened last February. Mr Kosch succeeds Mr Luc Bollen who managed the hotel from 2006 to July 2008 and now heads Hilton Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Mr Kosch joined the Hilton Family in 1997, working in a number of locations across Asia, including Shanghai, Maldives, Nanjing and Beijing. Prior to taking this role, Mr Kosch was Director of Operations at Hilton Beijing where he was instrumental in preparing the hotel for a leading role during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Kosch said, “I am excited to have the chance to work in the most promising Anhui Province of China and lead such an outstanding establishment like Hilton Hefei. Hilton Hefei is a representation of a new breed of Hilton Hotels as it not only has contemporary features, but also reflects the local flavours in the design.”

Mr Kosch has an outstanding tract record in the hospitality industry with over 12 years’ experience in various fields of hotel operations such as the Front Office and Food and Beverage, and with a good command of six languages, he is poised to make an impact on Hefei's largest and most luxurious hotel.

In his new role, Mr Kosch will continue the hard work of his predecessor in the development of the hotel as one of the best business hotels in China. Designed for top level meetings, incentives and conferences, Hilton Hefei has extensive meeting facilities including a 1,600 square metre ballroom, 13 large meeting rooms, an executive boardroom and a business center that is staffed around the clock.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela to career diplomat parents from Bavaria and Germany, Mr Kosch has lived and worked in a number of countries around the world. He studied hotel management to satisfy his adventurous nature and quest to see the world.