It takes a special kind of woman to survive and flourish in today’s luxury hotel business and Susanne Hatje, appointed general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Boston, is one of only a few female industry executives to reach the top echelon of her profession.

Having worked in the hotel industry for over eighteen years, Ms. Hatje has held senior roles within Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for the past ten years. She joins Mandarin Oriental, Boston from her previous post as general manager at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where she successfully positioned the boutique hotel amongst the top properties in Hong Kong. Prior to her Asian appointment, she was resort manager at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii, and general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich, where she was instrumental in guiding the former Rafael hotel’s smooth transition into the Mandarin Oriental fold.

No stranger to the world of hotels – her parents were hoteliers in her native city Hamburg, Germany – Ms. Hatje explains her strong feelings for the hotel industry, her passion for knowledge, and her keen interest in travel and culture.

“It is the challenge of new experiences that makes me move forward,” explains Hatje. “I have enjoyed immersing myself in the warmth of Hawaiian culture, the ‘East meets West’ confluence of Hong Kong and now the vibrancy of Boston. It’s truly exciting to live and work in this energetic American city, with its history, intellect and eclectic style.”

The action-loving GM enjoys Pilates, surfing, sailing and tennis, and hopes to continue pursuing leisure sports in Boston – time permitting. As an avid spa-goer, she will no doubt encourage her guests to try the hotel’s signature 16,000 square foot award winning Spa, which will feature the most comprehensive holistic spa facilities in Boston.

While advancing her career, Susanne also furthered her education with hospitality management programs at New York’s Cornell University, and earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Australia’s the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).

In 2008, Ms. Hatje was awarded Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” for establishing herself as a leader in Boston to be watched in her field. More recently, Ms. Hatje was twice nominated as General Manager of the Year by the Massachusetts Lodging Association. In 2006, Ms. Hatje was nominated for the “100 Masterminds of Tomorrow” exhibition sponsored by the German government, presented by the German Industry Association (BDI), to honor young Germans who are shaping the future.  Recently, Ms. Hatje was selected by Bunte, one of Germany's most popular magazines, as one of the “100 Germans The World is Looking Up To!” in such illustrious company as Pope Benedict XVI; supermodel Claudia Schiffer; fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Jil Sander, and race car driver Michael Schumacher.

Ms. Hatje says she feels privileged “to be at the hub” of the Mandarin Oriental’s U.S. expansion. Her infectious enthusiasm, coupled with her business and managerial skills, are sure to contribute to her ongoing success.

About Mandarin Oriental, Boston
An intimate, luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston will combine classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create the most distinctive hospitality experience in the region when it opens in July 2008.  Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites over 14 floors, the hotel will delight guests with the finest facilities and service, innovative dining experiences and an unparalleled holistic spa experience.  A short, 15-minute drive to Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston will connect guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of the chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.