NEW ORLEANS, LA (February 2, 2010)—Tony Welch, a 20-year veteran hotel executive, has been named general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center in New Orleans, announced Gary Gutierrez, president of the Lodging Division of HRI Properties. The hotel is located at 1001 South Peters St., a block from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Welch previously managed four different Marriott branded properties before joining HRI Lodging. Most recently, he served as general manager of the Residence Inn Convention Center and previously ran the Courtyard by Marriott in Covington, LA.

His prior experience also includes management of three hotels in the Dallas, TX area.

“We are excited to have Tony join our team at HRI Lodging,” said Gutierrez. “He brings a record of high achievement, as well as most valuable knowledge of the local hospitality and convention industry to our Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center property.”

Welch studied business administration at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AK and earned certification from Aims Academy in Dallas, one of the southwest’s leading continuing education institutions for the food and beverage industry.