An era ends in Hotel Sacher Vienna: Reiner Heilmann leaves after 32 years - New hotel director is Andreas Keese
Vienna, Austria - 13 May 2020 - After 32 years in the service of chocolate and top hotels, Sacher hotel director Reiner Heilmann yesterday handed over the symbolic hotel key to his successor Andreas Keese. Reiner Heilmann had been director of Hotel Sacher Vienna since 1991 and also managed the manufacture of the Original Sacher Cake. Now Andreas Keese intends to continue on his path and continue to combine tradition with modernity at Hotel Sacher Wien at the highest level. Andreas Keese's new deputy is Head of Experience Doris Schwarz, who is responsible for managing the teams at reception, concierges, the telephone switchboard and the Sacher Boutique Spa.
A failed residence permit for Asia brought Reiner Heilmann, who was born in Meller (Lower Saxony, Germany), to Vienna 33 years ago rather by chance - where he started as assistant manager at the Hotel Sacher Vienna. Since 1991, he has managed what is probably the best-known hotel in Vienna's city centre and, at that time still under the management of Mrs. Elisabeth Gürtler, he made a significant contribution to the success story of the family business. Heilmann made it his mission to carefully modernize traditional items - from the restoration of hotel rooms to the abolition of the obligation to wear ties in restaurants. "Only one thing has never changed: The guest is always the center of attention!"
After careful consideration Heilmann decided to start "something new" and to build up "something of his own". But he's keeping a low profile on details...
Words of thanks for Heilmann's indescribable commitment to Sacher come from Matthias Winkler, the managing director of Sacher Betriebe: "His performance cannot be described in words and his expertise is known far beyond Austria. He was not only one of the youngest, he is also one of the long-serving directors in our industry and highly appreciated - by our guests and partners. His loyalty to his family and to Sacher is unparalleled. Thank you, Reiner!"
Reiner Heilmann's position as director is now taken over by Andreas Keese (35). Born in Magdeburg, Keese has been working for Sacher for almost four years - first in Salzburg, then in Vienna. Keese was most recently Executive Food & Beverage Manager in the Vienna operation when he was additionally appointed Deputy Hotel Director a few months ago.
Although Keese is following in big footsteps, after 19 years in the hotel industry as well as top and star restaurants (including the Steirereck in Vienna and L'Auberge d'Hermance in Geneva, as gastronomic director), he definitely has the necessary experience and is distinguished above all by excellent specialist knowledge and great passion as a host. "I want to be a natural and open inspiration for others", Keese sets himself the goal for an appreciative management style at Sacher.
Andreas Keese's new deputy is Head of Experience Doris Schwarz, who is responsible for managing the teams at reception, concierges, the switchboard and the Sacher Boutique Spa.
Reiner Heilmann will remain at Sacher until June 30, 2020; Andreas Keese and Doris Schwarz are already working in their new positions with immediate effect. Sacher Hotels will be open to guests again from 29 May.
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