Commencing in 2011 as Swissôtel Sydney’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Ross bought with him over 30 years experience in the hospitality and travel industries having worked for internationally established brands including Marriott, Mirvac, Parkroyal, InterContinental and Crowne Plaza hotels.
Echo Entertainment Group Chairman John O’Neill and CEO John Redmond said today that Echo’s expansion plans for The Star would see the world’s first “Connected Integrated Resort” built in Sydney. Mr O’Neill and Mr Redmond today unveiled details of Echo’s Detailed Proposal which was formally submitted to the NSW Government through its unsolicited proposal process on Friday afternoon.
LAUREN BREMNER has been named as Best Western Australasia’s new Marketing Communications Manager, replacing Hansni Bhagani. Ms Bremner has worked previously in communications roles for organisations including Qantas and the Independent Education Union of Australia.
HANSNI BHAGANI has been announced as the new Director of Public Relations for the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Ms Bhagani brings to the role almost seven years’ experience in the media industry, most recently as Marketing Communications Manager at Best Western Australasia.
Market Metrix, the leading provider of feedback management solutions for the global hospitality industry, has hired Simon Haigh to lead business development in Australia and New Zealand. Simon is a 25-year veteran of the hospitality and technology industries with experience and know-how that allows him to span strategic planning to detailed operations. Along with an office in Singapore, a local presence in Australia will allow Market Metrix to support its growing client base throughout Oceania and Asia. Market Metrix’ growth in the region follows the opening of an office in Singapore in 2012. The growing list of clients in the region includes: Langham Hotels International, Fairmont Raffles Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Dusit International, Crown Melbourne Unlimited and Sky City Casinos. Market Metrix is headquartered in San Francisco, and European operations are run from Barcelona, Spain.
In Sydney Erkin Aytekin has been made the general manager at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth while in Melbourne Llewellyn Wyeth has moved into the general manager's role at Novotel Melbourne St Kilda that was vacated by Aytekin.
Emily joins the SMaRT team from InterContinental Sydney where she has most recently held the role of Business Development Executive- Corporate since March 2011. Prior to that Emily was Business Development Executive- Corporate Meetings at InterContinental Sydney, joining the InterContinental team in 2009. Prior to joining IHG Emily worked for the Lido Group and the Dorchester in London.
Citigate Central Sydney has rebranded to Novotel Sydney Central, marking an exciting time for the hotel as it undertakes a major refurbishment, while the suburb of Haymarket is in the midst of one of the most progressive urban renewal plans the city has ever seen.
Ms Lefevre joins The Langham, Sydney from her post as Hotel Manager of The Langham, Hong Kong where she joined LHG in 2010. Ms Lefevre successfully repositioned the Hong Kong property from a domestically-oriented entity to an internationally recognised luxury hotel standard, as well as the leading hotel in the busy Kowloon precinct.
Dynamic and accomplished hotelier, Ralf Bruegger, today starts his new appointment as Group General Manager of Lilianfels, Echoes and the Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains.
Today, the renowned Quay Grand Suites Sydney will rebrand to Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, signalling a dramatic expansion of Accor’s 5-star Pullman brand in Australia. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour joins two other Pullmans in Sydney. It also joins Pullman Reef Casino in Cairns and the recently rebadged Pullman Resort Bunker Bay in Western Australia’s Margaret River region.
With a passion for PR and communication, Kimberley Roberts, from Brisbane, Queensland, commenced her career in Brisbane with varied roles in the not-for-profit sector which was followed by her appointment at Hilton Brisbane. Kimberley commenced her tenure with the hotel in 2006 as marketing communications coordinator and in 2008 was promoted to marketing communications manager.
Kate replaces Leeanne Graham who will relocate to Perth and continue working with IHG on a project basis.
Sonia Lefevre has been appointed general manager of the newly rebranded The Langham, Sydney, formerly known as The Observatory Hotel. With 15 years of solid experience as a sales and marketing specialist for international luxury hotels, Lefevre will play a pivotal role in leading The Langham, Sydney’s team to raise the hotel’s profile, drive sales and marketing initiatives and ensure the delivery of quality products and enchanting hospitality to guests. Prior to joining The Langham Sydney, Lefevre was the hotel manager of The Langham, Hong Kong for two years.
Langham Hospitality Group has arrived in Sydney with the acquisition of The Observatory Hotel which becomes The Langham, Sydney today. The property will be a truly glittering centerpiece amidst the city’s renowned landmarks and gives Langham a strategic position for brand expansion in this key feeder city.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has appointed a new hotel manager for Holiday Inn Potts Point, Chris Curran. Effective today, Chris will oversee the hotel’s operations, reporting to Bill Edwards, IHG director of operations, Australasia.
Langham Hospitality Group has secured its first flag in Sydney with the acquisition of The Observatory Hotel, Sydney which is scheduled to become part of the Langham group on 8 August 2012.Located near Sydney's historical Rocks district and the Central Business District, the hotel is the ideal luxury base from which to conduct business and to explore the city. The hotel is nestled near the vibrant harbour and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, close to the bustling heart of the city with its finest selection of shops, museums, galleries and restaurants.
Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. (NYSE: OEH, http://www.orient-express.com), owners or part-owners and managers of 46 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties operating in 23 countries, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell The Observatory Hotel,Sydney, to an international luxury hotel group. Orient-Express will continue to operate the hotel until the transaction closes, which is expected to be on August 8, 2012.
Scanlan has held several senior appointments in his 15 years with Accor, including country manager of New Zealand, and for the past five years has been regional general manager Queensland.
Simon joined Accor in 2005 as General Manager, Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns and was later appointed Regional General Manager, overseeing all hotel operations in Northern Australia and Western Australia in addition to his role at the Sofitel. Simon’s career has allowed him to work in Thailand, Malaysia, Hamilton Island, Ayers Rock, Gold Coast, Cairns and Sydney. Resorts feature as a key element of Simon’s background; having worked at Ayers Rock Resort and Hamilton Island Resort in Executive roles. In December 2006 Simon McGrath was appointed to the position of Vice President Australia responsible for all Accor’s Australian hotels and in March 2012 Simon was promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer for Accor Australia.