Lyle Pauls
General Manager
A rural boy who had inspirations of being a chef, but instead found his calling in the running of high quality corporate hotels throughout major cities in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean; Lyle Pauls, the new general manager for the Carlton Savannah is constantly surpassing new levels of excellence.
Throughout secondary school, Pauls showed himself to be an all-round student, not only excelling in the kitchen but demonstrating a high understanding of math and science. Keen to embark on a career in the kitchen Pauls worked with some of the best chefs in Winnipeg and in Western Canada. However, his employer had other intentions, adamant that his future not be in the kitchen but in the front of the hotel.
He gave up his 'whites' and started his career working for Westin Hotels (1983–2000) catering to such celebrities as the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Cher and Queen Elizabeth II. His level of professionalism and dedication did not go unnoticed as he was promoted to the director of operations at Sheraton, New Orleans.
Unafraid to accept a challenge Pauls renovated two boutique hotels in downtown Chicago, and a third, the Sheraton Suites in Elk Grove, Illinois. He also grew an internet business, which was originally estimated at between US$40,000 and $2 million.
Pauls' success has grown from strength to strength. In 2005 he was promoted to general manager of the W New York, Union Square, a luxury hotel in Manhattan, which was later sold for an industry record of US$290 million. In 2006 Pauls was lured to the warm seas of the Caribbean where he embraced the challenge of revitalising an Antiguan beach resort.
Now general manager for the Carlton Savannah, Lyle Pauls still lives by his philosophy "Hotels are bricks and mortar. The pride and challenge is in developing the soul of the hotel, bringing it to life with the people". This is why he believes the Carlton Savannah will be really special. "It is", he says "the business hotel the Caribbean has been waiting for".
