TOKYO,  December 3 , 2009 – Armed with two decades of hospitality experience, Christopher R. Clark begins his new post as the Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo.  A native of Brookfield, Connecticut, Mr. Clark spent the last two years in China, where he held the position of Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms for The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, and was instrumental in the resort’s 2008 opening.

“Chris’ extensive work in Asia, coupled with his 11 years of Ritz-Carlton experience will be an exceptional asset, and something that we will greatly utilize here in Tokyo,” said Francois J. Cnockaert, general manager of the hotel.  “His creative management style coupled with his ability to identify opportunities to improve the overall guest experience will only enhance our continuing efforts in enlivening The Ritz-Carlton experience.”

Mr. Clark’s Ritz-Carlton career began in 1997, when he was appointed the Director of Front Office at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta Georgia.  Subsequently, he rose through the ranks in various rooms positions at properties including The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali and The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya.  In addition to his work experience, Mr. Clark has assisted in the opening task forces for several sister hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, and The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen. Later this month, he will be a lead trainer for the company’s first Reserve product – Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Thailand.

His work experience also includes senior managerial position with hotels in Israel and the United States.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo Midtown, in the city’s tallest building, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo sits at the core of Roppongi, the capital’s entertainment, diplomatic and design-related business hub.  Occupying the top nine floors of the 53-story building, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo offers 360-degree panoramic vistas of Tokyo including Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji.  Featuring 248 guest rooms, including 36 suites and Ritz-Carlton Club Level Rooms, the hotel delivers a guest experience like no other and accommodations that offer Frette linens and featherbeds, deep-soaking tubs, rain showers, two Sony BRAVIA televisions, complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, dual-line telephones with voicemail, CD and DVD player and complimentary water at turndown.  For pure luxury outside of its guest rooms, the hotel’s Spa and Fitness by ESPA offers guests the ultimate in pampering, while its two dining outlets – Hinokizaka, a Michelin star-rated Japanese restaurant, and  Restaurant Forty Five, offering modern French cuisine – provide pure satisfaction for the palate.  The hotel also offers state-of-the-art event facilities, including a dedicated Wedding Chapel.  The Ritz-Carlton is located Tokyo Midtown 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-6245 Japan.  For more information, or for reservations, please call +81-3-3423-8000, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/tokyo.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 70 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Tucson, Arizona; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.