Former Elbow Beach general manager Edward Shapard’s “extensive experience” in Bermuda has been highlighted as he takes on the top job at the St Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah.

A press release announcing the appointment stated that: “Mr. Shapard has extensive experience in the management and operations of luxury hotels and resorts, most recently as general manager of Elbow Beach Bermuda, a Mandarin Oriental Hotel.”

It pointed to Mr Shapard’s career in the hospitality industry beginning as the front office manager for the Orchid Mauna Lani, Hawaii, adding that he progressed to increased responsibilities with Starwood Hotels’ Westin and Sheraton brands in managerial positions in Stamford, Connecticut and New Orleans.

“Shapard then moved into management positions with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, serving as hotel manager of Mandarin Oriental New York and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and as general manager of Elbow Beach Bermuda, a Mandarin Oriental Hotel.”

Michael Zaccaro, managing member of the property owner, Deer Crest Janna, LLC, is quoted as saying: “He brings an impressive background that spans all aspects of resort operations.”

While at Elbow Beach, Mr Shapard served on the boards of the Bermuda Hotel Association, the Bermuda National Museum and the Bermuda Tourism Board, according to the press release

The three-year-old St Regis Deer Valley has been listed in Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Ski Resorts and Ski Hotels in the US 2014, Park City’s Best People’s Choice Awards 2013, Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500: The World’s Best Hotels in 2013, and Travel + Leisure’s The World’s Best Hotels for Families.

The 177-room slope-side resort features J&G Grill, the signature restaurant of acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; a 13,000-bottle wine vault; the 14,000 sq ft Remède Spa; and the 40ft Fire Garden on the Mountain Terrace.

Useful website: www.stregisdeervalley.com