Hilton Announces Dynamic Executive Leadership Team at Waldorf Astoria New York

NEW YORK – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is delighted to announce a distinguished lineup of luxury hospitality executives joining the 375-room Waldorf Astoria New York, which is expected to reopen its doors later this year following an extensive, multi-year restoration. Leading the team is managing director Luigi Romaniello, and returning to the hotel in a new capacity is executive director of sales Jasmin Howanietz. Romaniello and Howanietz together bring decades worth of expertise to their roles, along with a unique understanding of the luxury landscape.

Managing Director Luigi Romaniello 

Romaniello's illustrious 30-plus year career includes leadership roles at prestigious hotels worldwide, where he has demonstrated exceptional skills in openings, renovations, repositioning and concept development, with a focus on delivering a world-class guest experience. In his new position, Romaniello plays a pivotal role in redefining the next era of Waldorf Astoria New York, further delivering on Conrad Hilton's vision of this hotel as the "greatest of them all." In addition to driving plans for the property's reopening, he is responsible for all aspects of operations for both the hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York, and Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, the hotel’s newly introduced residences. Romaniello will deliver on the brand's commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and extraordinary service to guests from around the world and across New York City.

Most recently, he served as managing director at The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York City. Prior to this position, he spent more than 20 years with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where he led the openings of Rosewood Baha Mar and Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel as managing director.

Originally from Rome, Romaniello has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurants Management from the University of Houston, and is fluent in Italian and English.

Executive Director of Sales Jasmin Howanietz 

With 25 years of sales experience in the hospitality sector, Howanietz has returned to Waldorf Astoria New York after dedicating more than a decade of her career to commercial leadership positions at the hotel, including director of sales and marketing, director of sales, and director of diplomatic affairs. In her new position at the landmark hotel, Howanietz plays an instrumental role in driving the commercial strategy to establish the hotel as the pinnacle of luxury in Manhattan, further positioning the Waldorf Astoria brand as a global blueprint in top-notch hospitality.

Howanietz oversees all sales endeavors for the luxury group, leisure and business travel segments, along with New York City’s premier social events. She works closely with the sales and marketing team for Waldorf Astoria Residences New York and is focused on providing exceptional experiences for all guests.

Howanietz holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel-Restaurant/Institutional Management from Johnson & Wales University and she attended the Hotel Management School of Salzburg in Austria. She is fluent in English, German and Spanish.

With Romaniello at the helm, Waldorf Astoria New York is poised for its next chapter of excellence, further solidifying its status as a global beacon of luxury hospitality. In addition to Howanietz, the executive team includes:  

• Maggie Mojica, Director of Group Sales 
• Michael Gubbins, Director of Property Operations
• Harrison Rohr, Director of Catering 
• Amanda Dempsey, Director of Marketing 
• Steven Snyder, Director of Human Resources 

A beacon of timeless glamour and luxury for more than a century, Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City. Following an extensive restoration, Waldorf Astoria New York will launch a new era for the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand and for luxury hospitality in New York City, positioning the hotel as one of the most anticipated hotel re-openings the city has ever witnessed. The 375-room hotel will feature some of Manhattan’s largest rooms and suites, more than 43,000 square feet of unparalleled event space totaling 17 hosting spaces, and one of the largest spas in New York City - spanning more than 30,000 square feet. Inspired by the hotel’s classic grandeur, designer Pierre-Yves Rochon set out to balance modern comfort with Art Deco opulence – blending the old and the new, the European and the American. Honoring Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to culinary excellence, the timeless property will also feature a signature restaurant and food and beverage offerings throughout select landmarked heritage spaces.

Atop the reimagined property, Waldorf Astoria Residences New York will introduce an unprecedented residential lifestyle on Park Avenue, featuring 375 expertly designed private residences with interiors by Jean-Louis Deniot, exclusive amenities and an art collection curated by art collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury.

Once reopened, the luxury property will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands.

Waldorf Astoria New York is located at 301 Park Avenue New York, New York 10022. For hotel sales inquiries, please contact WaldorfAstoriaNewYork@hilton.com. Follow along on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @TheWaldorf.

Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at Stories.Hilton.com.