30 September 2004 |  Print |  Email

In recognition of his contribution to China’s economic and social development, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Vice President and Area General Manager Mark DeCocinis was awarded the state-level “Friendship Award” by the People’s Republic of China Vice Premier Wu Yi on September 29, 2004.Mr. DeCocinis is one of three recipients from Shanghai among 84 nationwide winners.

Under the authorization of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the State Administration of Foreign Experts’ Affairs established the “Friendship Award.” The award honors foreign businessmen for their dedication to the training of Chinese citizens as well as their contribution to China’s social, economic, scientific, technological, educational and cultural development.Award winners will meet with Premier Wen Jiabao and attend the 55th National Day state banquet presided by President Hu Jintao and the steering committee members in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Since opening The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai as general manager in January 1998, Mr. DeCocinis has been bestowed with Shanghai’s prestigious “Magnolia Award (Silver)” in July 2001 and the “Magnolia Award (Gold)” in 2003.Under his leadership, Mr. DeCocinis has led the hotel to win multiple awards including “Number 1 Best Employer in Asia and China” for two consecutive times by Hewitt Associates, Asian Wall Street Journal and Far Eastern Economic Review (2003 and 2001), Bloomberg TV and Business Asia magazine “Overall Best Business Hotel in Asia” three times and “Best Business Hotel in China” for the fifth time.

Mr. DeCocinis is also vice chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and sits on the board of governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.Additionally, he is the vice president of both the Shanghai Tourism and Hotel Association and the China Tourist Hotel Association in Beijing.

One of Mr. DeCocinis’ professional goals during his tenure in Shanghai is to enhance the career progression for the employees.He is personally involved in the selection of employees and the training and development programmes for them.The hotel achieved 100 percent satisfaction during the 2003 Employee Satisfaction Survey conducted by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and ranked number one in the company.

He has also shown great commitment to the community in Shanghai. An annual charity gala is organised each year, during which more than RMB900,000 is raised for Shanghai Children’s Welfare Institution annually.

A native of Salerno, Italy, Mr. DeCocinis was brought up in the U.S.A.He brings more than 20 years’ hotel experience to his position.He was formerly general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Aspen, following posts as hotel manager and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.He has held food and beverage director positions at Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts in AmeliaIsland and Naples (Florida) and Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.During his 15 years with the company, Mr. DeCocinis has been a member of The Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts pre-opening teams in Bali, Singapore, Seoul, California and Hawai’i.

Prior to Mr. DeCocinis’ career with The Ritz-Carlton, he held food and beverage management positions at several resorts in the Northeast U.S.A. with Omni Hotels International, New York, U.S.A.Mr. DeCocinis holds a Business Administrative Degree from PennsylvaniaStateUniversity.

A veteran of international marathons in Boston, San Francisco, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago and Shanghai, Mr. DeCocinis has run five “Toray” Cup international marathons in Shanghai and the Great Wall Marathon twice in Beijing.

The 578-room Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous Nanjing Road.Situated right in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, services and facilities include six restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western favourites.An extensive health club with swimming pools, gym, indoor tennis court, squash and racquetball courts is featured, alongside a 24-hour business centre.