MIAMI, FL – SLS Brickell, sbe’s luxury lifestyle hotel and residences in downtown Miami, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Neil A. Bierwagen as General Manager, Laurayne Croke as Director of Sales, and Dawn Neils as Director of Marketing. Bringing decades of hospitality experience with them, these leaders are set to deliver unforgettable 360-degree experiences at the 124-room luxury hotel and residences owned by sbe and The Related Group and designed by icon Philippe Starck.

Jorge Giannattasio, Chief Operating Officer at sbe, comments: “With world-class design and two unique culinary concepts by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bazaar Mar by José Andrés and Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz, SLS Brickell is a true retreat in the center of the city, and we’re pleased to have Neil at the helm to deliver memorable experiences for guests and locals.” He adds: “With the addition of Dawn and Laurayne, we are building a solid foundation for the future of SLS Brickell.”

As General Manager, Neil A. Bierwagen brings in-depth knowledge of hotel operations, working in diverse roles such as Director of Finance, Human Resources and Operations. His past experience includes key positions at Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

“I’m honored to be a part of the sbe family and to welcome both Dawn and Laurayne to the executive team as we collectively work to make SLS Brickell THE destination hotel in downtown Miami,” says Neil A. Bierwagen.

Dawn Neils, Director of Marketing, has industry expertise in both the casino and hospitality markets having spent time at Atlantis in The Bahamas and Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos. She brings an integrated marketing approach with a focus on brand marketing, media and communications across a variety of channels.

Director of Sales, Laurayne Croke’s extensive hospitality experience includes work for entities such as Ironstate Development Company, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, and W Hotels New York. She specializes in corporate, business and transient travel sales, working to increase direct growth year over year.

Opening just under one year ago, SLS Brickell was the second SLS property to open in Miami, and the first to open in the bustling downtown area. It also marked the first project between sbe and The Related Group. Coming in early 2018, Hyde Hotel & Residences in Midtown and SLS LUX Brickell will be the latest luxury projects to come out of the partnership between sbe and The Related Group. SLS LUX Brickell will open doors as a mixed-use tower boasting designs by Yabu Pushelberg and sbe’s award-winning culinary concept Katsuya, and cocktail bar SBar.

About SLS Brickell

Featuring designs by Philippe Starck and amenities by Ciel Spa, SLS Brickell offers guests 124 exquisitely designed rooms. Each guest room features immaculate decor and luxuries such as contemporary furnishings, minibar, high-speed WiFi, nightly turn down service, rainfall showerheads, complimentary robes and slippers, and panoramic views. Specialty suites also spoil guests with soaking tubs and NESPRESSO coffee machines. Rooms at this luxurious Miami hotel offer chic amenities, luxury linens, modern accents, and beautiful balconies with spectacular views of the city and waterfront. A dynamic dining destination, SLS Brickell harnesses the culinary expertise of James Beard Award-winning Chef José Andrés and Chef Michael Schwartz with the restaurants Bazaar Mar and Fi’lia respectively. For more information visit www.slshotels.com/brickell/.

About sbe

Established in 2002 by Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian, sbe is a privately-held, leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, residences, restaurants and nightclubs. Through exclusive partnerships with cultural visionaries, sbe is devoted to creating extraordinary experiences throughout its proprietary brands with a commitment to authenticity, sophistication, mastery and innovation. Following the acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group, the pioneer of boutique lifestyle hotels, sbe has an unparalleled global portfolio featuring 23 world-class lifestyle hotel properties in nine attractive gateway markets and 135 global world-renowned hotel, entertainment and food & beverage outlets. The company is uniquely positioned to offer a complete lifestyle experience – from nightlife, food & beverage and entertainment to hotels and residences, and through its innovative customer loyalty and rewards program, The Code, as well as its award-winning international real estate development subsidiary, Dakota Development – all of which solidify sbe as the preeminent leader across hospitality. The company’s established and upcoming hotel brands include SLS Hotel & Residences, Delano, Mondrian, Redbury, Hyde Hotel & Residences, and The Originals. In addition, sbe has the following internationally acclaimed restaurants and lounges: Katsuya, Cleo, The Bazaar by José Andrés, Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz, Umami Burger, Hyde Lounge and Skybar. More information about sbe can be obtained at sbe.com.