1 Hotel and Homes has recruited top local and international talent for its Melbourne-based leadership team, ahead of the March 2025 opening of its first Australian property, 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne.
Rahul Dangwal brings over 14 years of hospitality experience to Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne, having held senior management roles with companies such as Stamford Hotels and Resorts, TFE Hotels, and Accor's Art Series brand. Dangwal's vision for the hotel includes overseeing a significant expansion project aimed at enhancing the hotel's offerings and maintaining its reputation as a premier destination in Melbourne.
Rounding out the Executive Team is experienced commercial manager Ashish Rajput who, as Director of Revenue, is responsible for setting up distribution channels and leading Revenue Management and Reservations for both properties. Having previously held the position of Director of Commercial at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, Ashish is relishing this new challenge.
As the Director of Operations, Giovani Sayuti, is responsible for the daily operations of both hotels, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service across all touchpoints from check-in to check-out. Guests, prepare to be wowed.
Charlie Tickler, who joins the team as Director of Finance, brings a wealth of financial experience to the team and understands the Novotel brand inside out, joining the team from Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. Excited to be part of the largest hotel development in Australia of the year, Charlie is forecasting blue skies ahead.
Seasoned hotel specialist and highly respected sales and marketing leader, Narelle Welsh takes up the role Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM), having most recently launched the Dorsett Melbourne. High Energy is Narelle's middle name, and she has been busy procuring major clients and partnership deals for the hotels and is without a doubt the hotel's number one cheerleader on Linkedin.
Leading the all-star cast is David Alexander as General Manager who brings over 15 years leadership experience, having most recently been part of the pre-opening team at the dual-branded Novotel Melbourne & ibis Melbourne Central. Responsible for more than 200 staff, David brings his quintessential people centric culture to both the hotels and is thrilled with the growing team in place.
TFE stalwart and proven performer, Arthur Rojas, has been appointed as Cluster General Manager of Travelodge Melbourne Docklands and Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank. Arthur started his career with TFE in 2011 and during his tenure has worked across the Adina, Travelodge, and Medina (now defunct) brands. Arthur is well known for building strong culture and capability within his teams and looks forward to utilising these skills in the cluster role.
Also joining the Dorsett Melbourne team is Wendy Au, who has taken on the role of Business Development Manager. Wendy brings with her over 10 years of experience in hotels across Asia and Australia.
Dorsett Melbourne is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director of Sales, Maggie Wong, who joined the team in March 2024. Maggie brings 16 years of hotel industry experience with her, working across multiple properties within both Hong Kong and Australia.
Kylie Ortega joins the team as Conference and Events Sales Executive with over five years experience at several other major Australian hotels.
Andrew Edwards has been appointed as General Manager of Quincy Hotel Melbourne, following a 12-month stint in the GM chair at Adina Southbank.
Marriott International Inc. has appointed Krister Svensson as General Manager at W Melbourne & Multi Property Vice President, Luxury Hotels Australia.In the newly created dual role, Krister will oversee operations at W Melbourne whilst leading all luxury General Managers in Australia to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences for guests.Reporting to Sean Hunt, Area Vice President - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Svensson will have oversight of luxury properties in Australia, including the The Ritz-Carlton and W Hotel brands.The appointment coincides with a focus on luxury expansion for Marriott, particularly in the Asia Pacific, where the luxury segment is intrinsic to operations. The region accounts for a third of Marriott International's luxury hotels and over half of Marriott's global pipeline.A seasoned hotelier, Krister brings more than thirty years' experience in the hospitality industry across the Middle East, Pacific and Asia, specialising in luxury hotels.His career with Marriott International started in 2002 as a General Manager in Le Meridien Commodore Beirut and he has since led the hotel teams at The Westin Resort Guam, W Hong Kong, St. Regis Bangkok, W Singapore Sentosa Cove and most recently, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park where Krister has overseen all operations since 2019.Krister brings his extensive General Management expertise to W Melbourne where he will lead the team in reinvigorating the hotel as it prepares for a resurgence in business and leisure travel.
Like all hotels in Curio Collection by Hilton, Next Hotel Melbourne evokes bespoke stories through its elevated offerings and considered design.
Melbourne’s hotel industry reported a decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) for just the second time this year, according to September 2023 preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
Hilton has unveiled its first Curio Collection property in Melbourne, collaborating with Vista Hospitality Group for the venture.
Klarisa Dzambo has been promoted to Hotel Manger - Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank. Identified as a rising star, Klarisa first started at the property in the pre-opening team as a Food & Beverage Supervisor before progressing to Food & Beverage Duty Manager, Front Desk roles, Duty Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager.
Shihalini Rajaratnam has been appointed Cluster Hotel Manager - Holiday Inn Express Melbourne and in her new role, is responsible for two Melbourne properties owned and operated by the company - Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank. With a strong hotel operations background, Shihalini is an advocate for developing next generation hoteliers and female leaders in the hospitality industry.
IHG Hotels & Resorts - one of the world's leading hotel companies with over 6,000 hotels across 19 distinct brands and an award-wining loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards - has opened its newest and third Hotel Indigo in Australia, together with Pro-invest Group - Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders.
Mark Foxwell has officially taken the helm as the new General Manager at Hyatt Centric Melbourne. A veteran of Hyatt, Mark's career spans an impressive duration at the company, enriched with diverse roles across Australia and the international stage.