Michel Cottray Moves On

(1/8/2005)

The much admired and very personable Michele Cottray, General Manager of the Westin Resort & Spa and the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) is packing his bags after more than 3 years in Bali to accept a new job with Starwood Hotels in Frankfurt, Germany.

Seemingly a man destined to live and work in interesting times, Michele Cottray arrived in Bali in September 2001, shepherding his property through the difficult 911 and Bali bombing aftermaths, a major remodeling program, and a complete re-branding of the 351 hotel from Sheraton to Westin.

While in Bali, Michele, a French national, was an active member in the Bali Hotel Association, served a Bailli for the Chaines des Rotisseurs, and supported numerous community projects via his membership in the Rotary Club Nusa Dua.

A veteran of more than 20 years with Starwood Hotels, 13 of which were spent in the Asia-Pacific region, Michele Cottray's new role with the Group will encompass dual responsibilities of General Manager of the Arabella Sheraton in central Frankfurt and Area Manager for Arabella Sheraton for the Rhein-Main region. His new appopintment become effective January 17, 2005.

Commenting on his Bali assignment before departing the island with his wife Heike and 2 daughters, Maxime and Lena, Michele said, "while having experienced a lot of ups and downs in the last three years, overall we had an excellent time. We are leaving Bali confident that its future is very bright - the uniqueness of the Island can't be beaten."

Any regrets upon leaving Bali?

Michele admits that he will leave Bali with an undimished love of the game of golf and an unimproved handicap.