Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers below or click here to check out last week’s new appointments.
1. Meet CWT’s new Managing Director, Asia Pacific
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has announced Bindu Bhatia will become the new Managing Director, Asia Pacific, effective 1 September. Bindu succeeds Kai Chan, who will be leaving the company on 31 August after making significant contributions during her five-year tenure.
Bindu Bhatia has been with the company for more than 20 years in a number of key roles, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Global Program Management, where she has looked after CWT’s biggest global clients. Bindu has extensive leadership experience in strategic client management, operations, people management, and business development. Reporting to Kelly Kuhn, Chief Customer Officer, she will soon will be relocating to CWT’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, where she will have responsibility for approximately 3,000 people across nine countries.
Ann Marie Stone will be taking over Bindu’s current role, also effective 1 September, reporting to Cathy Voss, Executive Vice President, Global Program Solutions. Ann Marie has been with the company since 2000, most recently serving as Vice President, Global Program Management.
2. Meet AccorHotels’ new Directors of Sales and Marketing
AccorHotels has made three key appointments to Director of Sales and Marketing roles at Novotel Melbourne South Wharf, Pullman Brisbane King George and ibis Styles Hobart.
Michael Fletcher has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing in anticipation of the opening of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. Michael is new to the AccorHotels family, but a veteran of the Melbourne hotel market and he brings 20 years of five star hotel leadership experience to his new role.
Michael’s previous roles have including Director of Sales and Marketing at Stamford Plaza, Director of Sales at Grand Hyatt Melbourne and Director of Leisure Sales for Hilton Australasia. Michael’s appointment comes as the team prepares for the opening of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf in March 2018. The brand new 347 room Novotel hotel will feature direct access to the largest event space in the Southern Hemisphere; the 70,000 square meter Melbourne Exhibition Convention Center (MCEC).
Jenifer Dwyer Slee has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Pullman Brisbane King George Square, effective from August. Jenifer has a wealth of experience in the areas of hospitality and tourism sales, including having worked at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Jenifer also served as Director of Sales – Business Events at AccorHotels’ corporate office in Sydney. In that role, Jenifer was instrumental in the setting up of the Business Events Advisory Board, ACCOR.
Jenifer was the Chairperson leading the advisory board activity to develop improvements in delivery, sales, marketing, communications and loyalty strategy for business events hotels and their owners throughout Australia and New Zealand. Jenifer returns to AccorHotels having recently worked for IHG hotels in both Canberra and on the Gold Coast. Her role in Canberra saw Jenifer heading the National Convention Centre as the Director of Sales and Marketing for three years with great success, whilst also serving as Deputy Chair – Destination Marketing & Visitor Experience – Sub Committee Tourism Industry Advisory Council. Most recently Jenifer has held the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. Prior to this Jenifer worked for Starwood, having previously been Managing Director for The Event Team Corp Pty Ltd.
Liz Gifford has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at the recently opened ibis Styles Hobart. She began her career working in the travel industry, and has specifically been working in hotels since 2000. Her hotels roles include seven years as Sales Manager at Hadleys Hotel where she worked on a number of major projects, including the coordination of celebration of the hotel’s 170 year anniversary.
Liz also has strong experience working as a sales and marketing consultant, during which time she advised companies in the hotel and tourism industries in Tasmania. Liz’s most recent roles include Sales and Marketing Manager at Best Western Hobart and Event Sales Manager at Blundstone Arena managing major events including the Corporate Hospitality for AFL. Liz is a proud Tasmanian, passionate about great customer service and relationships and is excited to have joined the ibis team.
3. Meet Pullman Auckland’s new Executive Chef
Pullman Auckland in pleased to announce the appointment of Cobus Klopper as the hotel’s new Executive Chef.
An award-winning and highly experienced Chef, Cobus started his journey in South Africa, travelling from United Kingdom and Australia to New Zealand, bringing over 23 years of culinary experience. Cobus has worked in prominent 5-star luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants such as SkyCity, Hilton and Ostro Brasserie, and has developed recipes for My Food Bag. During these years, Cobus has acquired invaluable experience working alongside outstanding chefs of the culinary industry including Peter Gordon and Josh Emmet.
In addition to his experience, Cobus has won numerous awards, such as New Zealand Culinary Fare Awards, Gold and Silver medals at the New Zealand Chef of the Year competition and he has been selected to judge at several Culinary Fares throughout the years.
“I’m very excited and eager to work with a team of enthusiastic individuals and together as a team, steer Pullman Auckland’s culinary offerings to new heights,” said Cobus.
As Executive Chef, Cobus will oversee the hotel’s restaurant, Tapestry Dining and Omni Bar, in-room catering as well as meeting and events banquets.
4. Meet QT Melbourne’s new Executive Chef
QT Melbourne is excited by the appointment of new Executive Chef, Andrew Harmer who will commence with the hotel beginning of October.
Well-known around Melbourne’s culinary scene, as Executive Chef at Vue de Monde and more recently The Point in Albert Park, Harmer will be overseeing the food offering at the designer hotel with initial focus to Pascale Bar & Grill.
Passionate about luxurious and native ingredients with seasonal cuisine focusing on the enjoyment of different flavours and texture profiles – Harmer’s fresh approach will be a welcome addition to QT Melbourne.
Brett Sergeant Director of Hospitality, Event Hospitality & Entertainment said, “QT Melbourne is an amazing property and we are looking forward to Andy joining the team seeing his talented and creative influence achieve a new level for the hotel.”
Harmer hales from prestigious training in international restaurants including D.O.M with Alex Atala in São Paolo, Brazil.