Downing Named GM At Trump Hotel

NEW YORK CITY— Thomas Downing has been named general manager of Trump International Hotel & Tower here, with overall management responsibility for the building’s 167 guestrooms and suites as well as its 158 privately owned condominiums. Formerly assistant general manager at the five-star property, Downing was actually brought aboard in 1996— a year before the hotel opened— as director of operations. Prior to that, his career includes stints with such other local luxury landmarks as the Four Seasons Hotel New York and Hilton’s New York Vista Hotel. In his new position, Downing replaces recently departed Rudy Tauscher, who word has it left to pursue administrative and supervisory pre-opening responsibilities for the Trump Hotel’s soon-to-be neighbor upscale lodging property, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which has set a 2003 opening date.—Michael Billig