Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers.
1. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa welcomes Mixologist
Cocktails at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa are set to be even better thanks to a new Mixologist, Evan Stanley, joining the team. For the next three months, Stanley will reside at the resort where he will be able to impart his expertise and creativity.
Evan has extensive bar and lounge experience and will bring a new level of service and products in order to enhance the guest experience at the resorts Kama Lounge.
The resort will leverage his expertise and experience to further educate and develop the team in the art of mixology; of the different products and the creation of new cocktails infused with local ingredients adding to the Kama Lounge cocktail menu.
2. Uniworld boosts its national sales team
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has added Samantha Langton to its national sales team in the capacity of Sales Manager Queensland.
The appointment is a boost to Uniworld’s national sales force, with Samantha bringing over 15 years’ experience in the retail travel industry, most recently as a cruise consultant for Cruiseabout during which time she and her team were awarded most improved store across the Cruiseabout brand.
Samantha commenced work with the luxury all-inclusive river cruise line this week.
3. Queensland Symphony Orchestra appoints David Pratt as Chief Executive
With more than 20 years of senior management experience in leadership roles across the performing arts, film and entertainment sectors in the United States and Australia, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is set to welcome Mr David Pratt into the team in September as the new Chief Executive.
Australian-born, Mr Pratt has accepted the position following a six month global search and represents an exciting new era for the QSO as it continues to grow in musicality, operational strength and international fame. He will join the company as it readies to celebrate the 70th anniversary in 2017, as well as welcoming acclaimed international conductor Ms Alondra de la Parra as Music Director.
4. Centara welcomes new members into its family
Centara Hotels & Resorts is pleased to welcome several new people into its team of General Managers.
Mr. James Robert Wilson will be acting as General Manager for the Centara Grand West Bay Doha in Qatar which is set to open in the last quarter of this year. Wilson will be overseeing the opening of this new property, which will be Centara’s second in the Middle East.
In Chiang Mai, the Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, Centara Boutique Collection is proud to welcome Ms. Jirachada Assavanich as the new General Manager. Joining Centara with more than 21 years of experience in the hotel and service industries, Assavanich worked with many leading hotels such as Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and the Landmark Hotel Bangkok.
Still in the Land of Smiles, Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket has welcomed a new General Manager, Mr. Denis Thouvard, into its team. With a career in the restaurant and hotel industry spanning more than three decades, Thouvard has a deep understanding of all aspects of service delivery.
Last but not least, Mr. Komang Artana has been appointed the new General Manager of Centra Taum Seminyak Bali. An Indonesian national with more than 20 years of experience within the region, Artana has worked with many exceptional properties such as Holiday Inn Resort Lombok, Aston Bali Resort & Spa, and many, many others.
5. CWT Appoints New General Manager for SE Asia
Sim Kian Peng has been appointed the General Manager, Southeast Asia, of Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) effective immediately.
Based in Singapore, Sim will be a member of CWT’s Asia Pacific leadership team and will report to Kai Chan, CWT’s President for Asia Pacific.
In his role, Sim will be responsible for the growth and continued strategic alignment of CWT’s business in Southeast Asia. CWT’s country leaders in Indonesia and Thailand will report directly to Sim.
6. New GM Appointments at AccorHotels
AccorHotels is happy to announce a number of new General Manager appointments across its properties in both Australia and New Zealand.
At home, Mark Wilkinson will now be acting as General Manager of Sofitel Noosa Resort; Ajay Vaid will be leading the team at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach as General Manager; Michael Daviss has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Pullman Brisbane King George Square; and last but not least, Phil Richards is now the General Manager of Pullman Bunker Bay Resort.
Across the ditch, Stephen Gould has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Sofitel Wellington; whilst Jonathan Dean will now be in charge of the team at Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square & ibis Christchurch in the position of General Manager.
Jonathan Dean has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square & ibis Christchurch. Jonathan first joined AccorHotels in 2006 as Business Development Manager, Novotel Canberra. He assumed the role of General Manager, Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon before moving to his most recent position as General Manager, Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach.
Mark Wilkinson has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Sofitel Noosa Resort. Mark commenced with AccorHotels in 2002 as Executive Assistant Manager and Food & Beverage Manager, Novotel Palm Cove Resort before his first General Manager appointment at Sofitel Queenstown in 2005. He later became General Manager, Novotel Twin Waters before moving to Mercure and Ibis Brisbane in 2012. His most recent role was General Manager, Pullman and Mercure Brisbane King George Square.
Ajay Vaid has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach. Joining AccorHotels in 2003, Ajay completed AccorHotels Emerging Leader Program and was appointed his first General Manager position in 2009 at Ibis Styles Kalgoorlie. Ajay later became General Manager, Novotel Atrium Darwin before moving in 2015 to his most recent role as General Manager, Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple & Resort & Spa.
Michael Daviss has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Pullman Brisbane King George Square. Michael joined AccorHotels in 1999 and has held numerous operational roles across Darwin, Sydney and Brisbane. In 2013, Michael was appointed General Manager, Novotel Sydney Parramatta before moving to his most recent role as General Manager, Novotel Sydney Central.
Phil Richards has been appointed to the position of General Manager, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. Starting his career with AccorHotels in 1990 working in hotel operations at Novotel Langley. In 1996 Phil was progressed to Executive Assistant Manager/Operations Manager at the Ibis Perth before being appointed his first General Manager position at the property in 2001. In 2008, Phil was moved to his current role as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing WA.
7. New talent joins Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ corporate team
Ms Terri Hewerdine
Five new appointments across Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ sales, marketing and digital divisions are set to strengthen the leading accommodation provider as it continues to bolster its strategic departments with highly experienced professionals across a broad range of disciplines.
Mr Luke Deayton will join as Area Director of Sales – Regional Queensland, Ms Terri Hewerdine as Marketing and Partnerships Manager, Mr James Bealey as Digital Marketing Manager, Mr Joel Whitbread as Marketing Systems and Insights Manager, and Mr Glenn Francis as Senior Marketing Systems and Data Specialist.