The landmark Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, the elegantly curved hotel on Avenue of the Stars often frequented by celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries, has gained a 25-year veteran with Hyatt as its new General Manager.
Mark Becker, who most recently was General Manager at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and completed its $25 million property expansion, is now responsible for the hotel’s 726 guestrooms and suites, as well as overseeing operations of eight additional Hyatt properties in Southern California in his additional role as Area Vice President.
Since its 1966 opening, the Minoru Yamasaki-designed, 19-story Century Plaza hotel has matched midcentury décor with residential touches and hosted notables from Ronald Reagan to Prince Philip to David Ben-Gurion. Amenities today include the VIP Regency Club, Equinox Fitness Club and Spa, Les Clef d’Or concierge staff, on-site Hertz rental desk and an infinity edge pool, among others.
“I am thrilled to call Southern California home again, especially at a landmark hotel steeped in such vibrant tradition, and to introduce my family to this tremendous community,” said Becker. “I’m so excited to join in the passion of our associates, and together create energizing experiences for our customers.”
Becker was named Hyatt’s Manager of the Year in 1996, and received the company’s distinguished Rooms Executive of the Year award in 2004 and 2007.
He’s been active in every community he’s seen, from sitting on the Board of Meet Minneapolis and the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, to the Board Chair of the Sarasota Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
With more than 140 Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in over 30 countries, Hyatt Regency has had Becker presided over five hotels.
He started his career as a Housekeeping Supervisor at Hyatt Regency Greenwhich, moving on to act as Executive Assistant Manager in Indian Wells – which he oversaw a $36 million property expansion and developed the first medical and skin spa in Hyatt’s North American portfolio – and Huntington Beach – where he carried out a recreation department and developed the first ocean front property partnership with Disney.
As General Manager of Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Becker was the leading force behind a $20 million hotel renovation and transformation, beckoning the hotel’s first four-diamond, AAA rating. Becker graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Boston University. He and his wife have twin 15-year-old daughters.
“I have watched Mark grow with the company over the years, and regardless of where he is, Mark gives his best and achieves great results. He has worked successfully around the country and we know that he will continue to be a true professional and add great value to the Hyatt Regency brand and Hyatt Regency Century Plaza property,” said Jordan Meisner, senior vice president of field operations at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
In 2010, the Century Plaza hotel was spared from demolition under a historic agreement between the new owner and preservationists.
After real estate investor Michael Rosenfeld announced plans to bulldoze the hotel and build two 50-story high-rises, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the structure to its annual list of America’s 11 most endangered historic places following an outpour of community support for the hotel.
For more information about the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza call 310.228.1234 or visit centuryplaza.hyatt.com.
