Island Hotel names new managing director

The Irvine Co. Resort Properties has named seasoned hospitality executive Richard R. Evanich the new managing director of the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

Evanich previously worked for Ritz-Carlton Hotels for seven years, where he played a key role in helping The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park attain the coveted AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star status. He also worked for The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park and The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common.

At the Island Hotel, Evanich will oversee day-to-day operations at the luxurious 20-story property.

In addition to his experience as a hotel executive, Evanich is a trained chef.

He studied culinary arts in Italy, France and Scottsdale, Ariz., and has worked as an executive chef at various high-profile resorts, among them the Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, the Maui Marriott Resort and the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale.

— Brianna Bailey