Westin Hotels & Resorts announces the appointment of Fred Smits as General Manager of The Westin Dublin. Fred joins The Westin Dublin from the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel & Conference Center where he was Executive Assistant Manager.
Born inside the Netherlands, Fred began his career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts on the Westin Rotterdam in 2001 as Executive Chef, working his way as much as become Director of Food & Beverage in 2005, a job he held until February 2007.
In 2007, Smits was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager of the 406-room Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel where he oversaw all daily operations and held responsibility for the 30-room Conference Center and 4 food and beverage outlets. During his time on the Sheraton Amsterdam, Fred also played a key role within the renovation of the hotel and the introduction of Sheraton signature guest experiences which includes the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft, Sheraton Fitness by Core Performance and the Sheraton Club Lounge.
Before joining Starwood, Fred studied kitchen techniques and kitchen management within the Netherlands, beginning his career in 1992 as a Chef de Partie on the former one-Michelin starred restaurant De Trechter in Amsterdam. Following a stint with Embassy Suites in Denver within the USA, Fred returned to Europe in 1995 to tackle a food and beverage role with Hyatt Hotels on the Lowndes Hotel in London. Between 1997 and 2001, he worked at a good number of other Hyatt properties, including holding positions at hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan and the Dead Sea and Jerusalem in Israel.
Reporting to Colin Bennett, Area Manager UK & Ireland, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Fred will now manage the 163-room Westin Dublin, including the hotel’s stunning Banking Hall, beautiful Atrium lounge, Exchange restaurant and renowned Mint Bar.
Colin Bennett said of the announcement, “We are delighted to welcome Fred to the team within the UK & Ireland. i’ve indisputably that The Westin Dublin will benefit immensely from his extensive operational experience.”
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