Paramount Hotels has appointed Heinz E. Skalnik as the new General Manager of the five-star Paramount Imperial Hotel in Torquay.

Skalnik's first role as General Manager was to open and run the 538 bedroom Hotel Ananas in Vienna.  He subsequently managed hotels all over the world, including the UK, Oman and Kuwait, working with well-known hotel groups such as Inter Continental, Hilton, Ramada/Jarvis Group and the Ritz in London.

"The Paramount Imperial Hotel is a landmark hotel in the UK.  It's a much-loved, historic part of the English Riviera and I'm delighted to be part of it.  As General Manager, I'll be working with my established team to grow the hotel and maintain its reputation in this key leisure destination," said Skalnik.

His main aims for the hotel are to focus on entertainment and the short break visitor, as well as plans to re-introduce the traditional Devonshire afternoon tea.  Improving the food in the hotel is of great importance to Skalnik, who has already employed a new executive chef from France, Bruno Delamer, who has Michelin experience.  To support Skalnik's effort, Paramount Hotels has earmarked half a million pounds for the bedrooms and soft furnishings at the Paramount Imperial Hotel.  All of these plans coincide with the 140th anniversary of the hotel later this year.

Commenting on the appointment, Heiko Figge, Paramount's Chief Operating Office, said: " We are really pleased to welcome Heinz to the Paramount Imperial Hotel.  His wealth of experience in the hospitality industry will make a valuable contribution to the team and help to maintain the hotel's five star reputation and service."

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