Russell Menkes, General Manager

Russell Menkes began his career as a chef de cuisine in Puerto Rico and moved on to various senior property-management positions in the U.S. Virgin Islands, New York City, Hong Kong, China and Mexico. He joined Hilton Worldwide in 1999 as general manager of the 444-room Hilton Times Square in New York. In 2006, Russell was promoted to general manager of the four-diamond Conrad Chicago hotel.

Russell earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America, where he received the school’s Waldorf Astoria award for outstanding student.

Russell brings a solid résumé to The Drake. He has invaluable experience and the leadership skills that will help keep The Drake one of country’s premier historic hotels.