The Umstead Hotel and Spa (www.theumstead.com), a new luxury property being built in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, appoints RICHARD A. BROOKS as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the property scheduled to open in January 2007.

Bringing 20 years of hospitality experience, Brooks will direct the sales team and oversee the marketing efforts associated with the Cary property.

“Brooks has successful experience in pre-opening hotels as well as extensive sales expertise with a number of premiere hotel companies,” said Robert A. Schofield, Managing Director for The Umstead Hotel and Spa.  “The Umstead Hotel and Spa offers an unparalleled luxury experience tailored for business and leisure travelers along with special groups.  Richard’s background is a perfect fit.”

Brooks most recently served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. He played a vital role in the pre-opening responsibilities of the 291-room hotel, which included hiring all sales, catering, convention services, revenue management and reservations staff. Brooks also led his team to success within the hotel’s first year of operations and exceeded both room night and revenue goals in 2005.  Prior to that position, Brooks has served as Sales Director for both Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, an AAA 4-Diamond, Mobil Four-Star, 867-room resort, as well as Disney’s Yacht & Beach Resort, a Four-Star, 1,200-room resort. 

With 15 years of sales experience as part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Brooks has held management positions with top luxury hotels including,  The Swan & Dolphin Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, Florida;  Westin Santa Clara in Northern California and the Westin La Paloma in Tucson.

Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Elon University, Elon, NC. He has been happily married for thirteen years and has two children, ages 7 and 10. He enjoys golf, running and spending time with his family.