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Immer Leaves Windows on the World for Starwood Hotel Chain
After two years as beverage director at Windows on the World in New York, Andrea Immer will move on to a new position as corporate director of beverage programs for Starwood Hotels and Resorts -- the chain that owns the Sheraton, Westin and W Hotel brands. She will start on May 24 at the company's headquarters in White Plains, N.Y.
Immer, who holds the title of master sommelier, said she was attracted to Starwood because it treats food and beverage as "more than just an amenity," but she admitted that it is difficult for her to leave Windows on the World. "It was a hard decision, because Windows is not only a home and family but a great training ground for me," she said.
Starwood has created a new position for Immer, in which she will oversee the beverage program for the chains' hotels, a task that includes promotional initiatives and training hotel personnel. Immer's new position will initially take her away from the one-on-one customer interaction that she enjoyed at Windows, but in the long run, she expects to be in immediate contact with hotel servers and guests.
Kevin Zraly, wine director at Windows on the World, said that the restaurant will continue to benefit from Immer's work long after her departure. "[Andrea] is a professional par excellence, and she is a teacher," he said. "The team she has put together at Windows on the World will remain. She's leaving the wine list the best it's ever been."
Zraly went on to say, "Andrea leaving us is sad, but we only wish her the very best. This is a very positive move for her."
For more on Andrea Immer:
May 10, 1997
First Woman to Represent United States in International Sommelier Competition April 30, 1998
Above and Beyond August 31, 1996
Grapevine August 31, 1996
New York's Windows on the World Resurrects Its Famed Wine List August 31, 1995
Seafood Restaurant Sees Future Linked to American Pinot Noir
