Ken D. Dittrich has been appointed area vice president of Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts in the Americas and Caribbean, it was announced by Gran Melia parent Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts. Dittrich, who will be based in Puerto Rico, is responsible for directing all aspects of the Gran Melia hotel operations in his region, as well as assisting with and overseeing openings and conversions. Prior to his promotion, Dittrich was managing director of Paradisus Puerto Rico, which was reflagged as Gran Melia Puerto Rico Golf Resort & Villas in May. He was also the managing director of Paradisus Rivera Cancun in Mexico, a deluxe all-inclusive. Visit www.solmelia.com. (JP)