Lynn Gervais has commenced her role as director of public relations effective June 2012 and, in her new capacity, oversees the hotel’s media relations functions, social media activities, e-marketing efforts, advertising, collateral and website content, community programs, and corporate brand messaging. Prior to this, Lynn was the director of public relations at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a property that she joined in late 2010 as part of the opening team.
Before moving to the UAE, Gervais successfully managed the media relations department at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, particularly during the 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games. Prior to that, she worked in a regional role overseeing the public relations functions of five Fairmont properties in Vancouver. Gervais, who began her public relations career in the Canadian Rockies, holds a Business Management Diploma from Grant MacEwan University. She is an avid yoga enthusiast and loves all adrenalin sports from snowboarding to skydiving.
Valeria Mertsalova is the new public relations manager of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, effective February 27th, 2012. Having been on the opening teams of the iconic Ritz-Carlton, Moscow in 2007 as well as the company’s second hotel in Dubai, Valeria is no stranger to the brand. Serving as public relations coordinator at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC since early 2008, Valeria was instrumental in making the property’s opening in early 2011 a success. Her hobbies include travelling and reading, while she also enjoys discovering new food and tastes. Holding a Master’s Degree in Public Relations from Moscow State Linguistic University, Mertsalova entered hospitality industry as food and beverage administrative assistant at Sheraton Palace Hotel in Moscow, Russia.
Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens with its own private beach overlooking the Grand Canal, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal consists of ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation, complemented by artfully designed water features throughout the 220,000 square meter (54 acre) property. The waterfront hotel featuring 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 85 private villas is slated to open end 2012.