SilverNeedle Hospitality has appointed renowned hotelier Russell Durnell as the General Manager of Next Hotel Brisbane, the first of the group’s flagship brand.
Durnell joins SilverNeedle Hospitality with extensive national and international expertise in the pre-opening, opening and managing of award-winning hotels and resorts.
An accomplished industry leader with 20 years of experience in a diverse range of disciplines, Durnell has held senior positions in operations, brand and marketing, industry engagement, sales and corporate relations.
“I am excited to join the team at SilverNeedle Hospitality and be a part of the company’s bright future,” Durnell said. “Next Hotels is an incredible brand and what we have planned for the hotel will undoubtedly redefine the service stands and guest experience for business travellers to Brisbane.”
Starting his hospitality career in the United Kingdom and relocating to Australia where he was Director of Sales and Marketing for The Heritage, Brisbane, Durnell went on to work for prestigious Australian establishments such as Sydney’s W Hotel, the luxurious Sheraton on the Park and was integral in the launch of The Langham in Melbourne as the Director of Marketing.
In 2007, Durnell relocated to Hong Kong to work for Langham Hotels International at their corporate headquarters as the Director of Sales and Marketing, Projects. Following this, Durnell joined the multiple award-winning Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast as General Manager and Chairman of Property Body Corporate.
“I am thrilled to welcome Russell to the SilverNeedle Hospitality family at this very exciting time for the company. I am confident we will benefit enormously from his extensive experience as he executes the successful opening of our very first Next Hotel,” said Iqbal Jumabhoy, Managing Director and Group CEO of SilverNeedle Hospitality.
“We also look forward to him imprinting his expertise on making Next Hotel Brisbane a model for future Next Hotels.”