THIERRY MARX TO BRING HIS AWARD-WINNING CUISINE TO MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PARIS

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced today that Michelin starred chef Thierry Marx will introduce his award-winning cuisine to Mandarin Oriental, Paris when the hotel opens in spring 2011. This will be Chef Marx’s first gastronomic venture in the French capital. One of the most distinguished chefs in France, Thierry Marx trained with some of the country’s best chefs at restaurants including Ledoyen, Taillevent and Robuchon. He was awarded his first Michelin star in 1988 at Roc en Val in Tours and was also awarded a star at Cheval Blanc in Nimes in 1991. Chef Marx joins Mandarin Oriental, Paris after 10 years at Châteaux Cordeillan Bages, a Relais & Châteaux in Gironde, France, where he has held two Michelin Stars since 1999. Thierry Marx was also elected “Chef of the Year” by the Gault Millau guide in 2006. He is currently appearing in the French television series Top Chef where he is part of a panel of professional chefs judging young culinary talent. With his creative and innovative cooking, Thierry Marx not only draws inspiration from his native France but also from his extensive travels through Asia-Pacific. His career has taken him to Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. Using the finest and freshest ingredients, and offering the avant-garde textures and flavours for which he is renowned, Marx is sure to delight diners with his unique style and expertise at Mandarin Oriental, Paris’s signature restaurant. Chef Marx will also oversee the hotel’s additional restaurants and bars in his role as Culinary Director. Commenting on the appointment, David Nicholls, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said “We are delighted to welcome the talented Thierry Marx to the Group, and we are proud that his first major venture in the gastronomic capital of the world, will be at Mandarin Oriental, Paris. Thierry Marx will indeed be an exciting addition to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s rich culinary talent.” Thierry Marx added: “I have long been a fan of Mandarin Oriental, following my travels through Asia and I am delighted to be joining them in Paris, in what promises to be an extraordinary addition to the capital’s luxury hotel scene. I look forward to creating an exciting new restaurant which will unite the best of French and Asian cuisine in Paris”. About Mandarin Oriental, Paris Mandarin Oriental, Paris is located on rue Saint Honoré, the historic and fashionable centre of the city. The hotel will showcase the best in French luxury design, incorporating a strong sense of place with its own style and personality. Mandarin Oriental has appointed three of the world’s leading designers for this project. Internationally renowned Jean Michel Wilmotte is the appointed project architect; interiors will be by Sybille de Margerie at SM Design and the restaurants and bars by Patrick Jouin. The hotel will comprise 138 luxurious guestrooms and suites which will be amongst the largest in the city, incorporating Mandarin Oriental’s renowned guest centred technology. An expansive inner courtyard with year-round al fresco dining will be a prime feature of the property, along with an extensive choice of restaurants, lounges and bars. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Paris will offer holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a tranquil setting. An indoor swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre will further add to the hotel’s leisure facilities. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage the hotel under a long-terms lease which was signed in 2007 with Société Foncière Lyonnaise, the owner and developer of the property. About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 26 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 13 in The Americas and 11 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties. Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com. For further information, please contact: Agency Contact Henrietta Carnegy (henrietta@annscott.co.uk) Ann Scott Associates Tel: 020 7823 9988 Katerina Panayotopoulou (katerina@annscott.co.uk) Ann Scott Associates Tel: 020 7823 9988 Corporate Office Jill Kluge (jillk@mohg.com) Group Communications – Global Tel: 020 7908 7810 Catherine Roberts (croberts@mohg.com) Group Communications - Europe Tel: 020 7908 7812 www.mandarinoriental.com