Experienced hospitality leader Marlene Poynder will return to Australia for one of Sydney’s most closely watched luxury hotel debuts as Waldorf Astoria Sydney prepares to open at Circular Quay in 2027.
Hilton has appointed Poynder as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, marking the next major step toward the brand’s first hotel in Australia, along with the introduction of LXR Hotels & Resorts next year.
Set to open in 2027 at One Circular Quay, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will bring Hilton’s storied luxury brand to one of the country’s most high-profile harbourfront addresses with views across Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
In her role, Poynder will lead the 227-room, 28-storey hotel’s full pre-opening strategy, including team building, capability development, service culture, operational readiness and launch execution.
With more than 30 years’ hospitality experience across the US, Asia and Australasia, Poynder has held senior leadership roles at landmark luxury properties, including Waldorf Astoria Beijing and Chicago, Conrad New York Downtown, and most recently, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York.
Hilton said Poynder is widely regarded as a trusted custodian of luxury brands with a reputation for bringing operational discipline together with a leadership style focused on craftsmanship, emotional connection and people development.
That mix will be critical at Waldorf Astoria Sydney, where the pre-opening period will require both global brand alignment and a strong local identity with the appointment welcomed by both Hilton and Fiveight, owners of Waldorf Astoria Sydney.
Hilton Area Vice President & Head of Australasia Paul Hutton said: “We are delighted to welcome Marlene back to Hilton and to Australia as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney.”
“Marlene is a highly respected leader with an exceptional track record of guiding iconic luxury hotels in some of the world’s most competitive markets.
“As an Australian and with a deep connection to the Waldorf Astoria brand coupled with a strong understanding of this region, she is uniquely positioned to lead this landmark hotel as we prepare for Waldorf Astoria’s highly anticipated debut in Australia.”
Poynder said Waldorf Astoria’s legacy and sense of place were central to the opportunity.
“Waldorf Astoria is a brand defined by legacy, elegance and a deep sense of place. To be entrusted with introducing Waldorf Astoria Sydney is both an honour and a responsibility,” she said.
“I look forward to working with our partners and team members to create a hotel that feels distinctly Sydney, while remaining unmistakably Waldorf Astoria.”
