The Shangri-La The Shard, in London, announces the appointment of Jean Louis Fresta as Acting General Manager, following the departure of Kurt Macher, who stepped down as General Manager the previous week. Jean Louis Fresta said he was honoured to take the helm of this iconic property, alongside a team he describes as talented and passionate, with the aim of continuing to build the hotel’s reputation for warm Asian hospitality, innovation and service excellence.
Jean Louis Fresta had held the position of Resident Manager at the Shangri-La The Shard since 2021. His career within the Group has also taken him to the Shangri-La Bosphorus, in Istanbul, where he served in a task-force role as Acting General Manager, as well as to the Shangri-La Jeddah, where he supported, as task-force Resident Manager, the opening of the Group’s new flagship property in Saudi Arabia. He had joined the Group’s London property back in February 2019, as Executive Assistant Manager.
Before joining Shangri-La, Jean Louis Fresta spent most of his hospitality career in London, including eight years at Corinthia Hotels Limited, where he notably held the position of Director of Rooms. His career also includes roles as Assistant Front Office Manager at Claridge’s, Duty Manager at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, as well as front office supervisor positions at The Berkeley and the Jolly Hotel St Ermins London.
With more than 25 years of experience in international luxury hospitality, having led teams across Europe and the Middle East, Jean Louis Fresta says he firmly believes that exceptional hospitality rests above all on engaged staff, genuine attention to teams and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in hotel management obtained in London, as well as a diploma from the European School of Economics.
===AT_A_GLANCE===
At a Glance
Shangri-La The Shard, London – New role: Jean Louis Fresta, Acting General Manager, following Kurt Macher’s departure – Previous role: Resident Manager, Shangri-La The Shard, since 2021 – Prior task-force roles: Acting GM, Shangri-La Bosphorus (Istanbul); Resident Manager, Shangri-La Jeddah (pre-opening support) – Prior career: 8 years at Corinthia Hotels Limited (Director of Rooms); Claridge’s; Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill; The Berkeley – Background: 25+ years in international luxury hospitality
