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Meet Hilton's new GM, Centara's new Deputy CEO & more Movers & Shakers

It’s been a big week in the travel industry with people moving up and on from previous positions into new and exciting gigs, we call them our movers & shakers.

It’s been a big week in the travel industry with people moving up and on from previous positions into new and exciting gigs, we call them our movers & shakers.

So, who got a new gig this week by checking out this week’s travel industry Movers & Shakers below or clicking here to check out last week’s new appointments.

 

1. Meet Accor Vacation Club’s new GM

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Accor Vacation Club has appointed Phil Reid to the position of General Manager Hotel Operations. In his new role, Phil will provide leadership to the Resort Services teams at Accor Vacation Club’s 23 properties located across Australia and New Zealand, and Indonesia.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Phil transitioned to Accor Vacation Club from AccorHotels, where he spent 18 years working in various positions and counties throughout Europe and South East Asia.

Most recently, Phil was General Manager at the Mercure Bali Legian Hotel, which he helped launch as a flagship for the destination in 2015.

Phil said, “After working for AccorHotels in Bali, I am excited to return to Australia and for the chance to work with Accor Vacation Club. The member experience is paramount for this style of organisation. As such I hope to harness my traditional hotel skills and innovate to deliver consistently high quality accommodation and holiday moments for our member base.”

Accor Vacation Club CEO Craig Wood said, “We are very fortunate to welcome Phil to the team, and we look forward to working with him to continue improving our already impressive hotel service levels.”

 

2. Meet Hilton’s new General Manager for West Hotel Sydney

Jane Lyons GM West Hotel Sydney - Curio Collection by Hilton

Hilton has announced Jane Lyons as General Manager for West Hotel Sydney, the first Curio Collection by Hilton™ Hotel in Australia.

The 182-room new-build hotel located at 65 Sussex St is expected to open in December 2017 and will be managed by Hilton on behalf of M&L Hospitality.

Jane returns to her home country of Australia following an eight-year hotel management career overseas; working for Langham Hotels & Resorts at their London and New York properties.

“We are extremely pleased to have Jane joining us as General Manager of West Hotel Sydney. Jane comes to us with a wealth of experience following her time with Langham Hotels & Resorts, and we look forward to her joining and progressing her career with Hilton,” said Sean Wooden, vice president, operations, Australasia.

“West Hotel Sydney presents us with an exciting opportunity as the first Curio Collection by Hilton™ Hotel in Australia and we are privileged to have Jane and her Team introduce this unique brand in our market and provide guests with all of the hallmarks of a Curio Collection by Hilton property.”

Most recently, Jane was Hotel Manager for The Langham, London, a 380-room hotel located in Regent Street. She commenced the role in August 2016 and was responsible for operations across rooms, food & beverage, security, spa and engineering.

Prior to The Langham, London, Jane spent close to three years as Hotel Manager at the 214-room Langham Place, New York. Jane has also worked in various Operation Manager Roles at The Langham, London and The Westin Sydney.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Business in Travel and Tourism Management from the Victoria University of Technology in Melbourne and a Diploma of Hospitality.

 

3. Meet Centara’s new Deputy CEO

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announced the appointment of Markland Blaiklock as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Blaiklock will be responsible for steering the continued expansion of Centara, which aims to double both its revenues and number of properties over the next five years.

Blaiklock returns to Centara in an expanded capacity having previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer in 2015. He has held senior executive positions with Le Meridien, Shangri-La, Raffles and Accor hotel groups, in Asia and North America. He is a Canadian national educated in England and France.

Centara created the new Deputy CEO position and brought in the experienced executive to focus on the company’s ambitious growth plans over the next five years and beyond. Blaiklock will also oversee operations, human resources, sales, marketing, business development and legal services.

Blaiklock’s operational experience will also be put to work leading improvement of Centara’s technical platforms and systems, ensuring the company’s core infrastructure supports its vision for global expansion.

“I’m delighted to be back with Centara during this dynamic period of growth for the company,” said Markland Blaiklock. “The plans are ambitious and exciting. I look forward to contributing my experience, energy, and leadership to Centara’s capable team. Together we can achieve great progress.”

Centara’s Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirativat added, “We are delighted to have Markland back with Centara. This new position is an important component in our growth plans and his proven leadership qualities will help us accomplish our goals.”

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