Marriott promotes long-time employee to Area Director of Operations ANZP
Marriott International has promoted AC Hotel Marriott Melbourne Southbank General Manager Harry Singh to Area Director of Operations for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific (ANZP).
Singh hit a milestone two decades with Marriott last year and was appointed GM of the Southbank property in July.
“Harry has proved to be a hardworking, insightful and valuable team member over the past 20 years and will play a vital role in the successful management of our hotels across the portfolio during a busy time of growth for the company,” said Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt.
Singh started his hospitality career in 2001 as a Management Trainee at The Renaissance Mumbai Hotel before moving to Australia four years later to take up a role at Sydney Harbour Marriott. He was then promoted to Operations Manager at Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde.
In 2012, he was appointed Director of Operations at Melbourne Marriott but then it was back to Sydney two years later to join the team at Pier One Sydney Harbour, before a second term in Melbourne at Element Melbourne and AC Hotel.
“I have only ever worked for one organisation my entire life, starting my career with Marriott as a management trainee straight out of hospitality school,” said Singh.
“This program has now evolved into the VOYAGER program and is still developing the best young talent looking to break into the industry.
“I have been in the hospitality industry for 21 years and I still find myself loving it each day. The opportunities to travel, the potential to meet new people and work in an exciting environment with other passionate associates is unparalleled. As the industry heads into recovery after a tough couple of years, I look forward to helping inject the fun back into hospitality, bringing the reason why we chose this industry in the first place to the forefront.
“What I’m most excited about is helping our talent grow. This role will give me the opportunity to connect with and mentor the amazing talent we have in this region and hopefully help someone else achieve their career dreams, either starting like myself as Voyagers or in Front Office, as the opportunities at Marriott are endless.”
Singh will return to Sydney for this role and work with staff across Marriott’s 40+ hotels.
La Vie appoints Melbourne GMs
La Vie Hotels and Resorts has made two General Manager appointments following the recent signing of The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood and The Motley Hotel.
Jeremy Nordkamp takes over as General Manager at The Motley Hotel, which opens in Richmond early next year, while Melanie Watson will lead as General Manager at The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood.
Nordkamp brings over 15 years of local and international experience in the hospitality industry, having managed a number of 5-star boutique properties including the launch of The Calile Hotel Brisbane and Kandima Maldives. He has also held leadership roles at Crystalbrook Vincent, Crystalbrook Riley, Ovolo Laneways, Peppers Dockland and Peppers Beach Club.
Watson brings extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, having held a variety of management and sales and marketing roles, as well as leadership roles at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley, Marnong Estate and Rydges Hotel Bell City.
“As we continue to experience significant growth in Melbourne, we’re thrilled to welcome Jeremy and Melanie to the team and know that having such experienced and talented managers leading our teams will see both properties go from strength to strength,” said La Vie Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Craig Bond.
Intrepid Travel names ANZ MD
Intrepid Travel has appointed Brett Mitchell to oversee the tour operator’s Australian and New Zealand region as Managing Director ANZ.
Mitchell has worked at the B Corp for over a decade, most recently as Chief Sales Officer.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Brett back into this role. His operational expertise and knowledge, along with his tenure within our business, allows him to lead our team with clear direction and will play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable and responsible travel experiences across Australia and New Zealand,” said Intrepid CEO James Thornton.
Mitchell will oversee direct and industry sales and marketing strategies, lead development of Intrepid’s local investment companies including Haka, ANZ Tours, JOOB and CABN, and will sit on the Chimu board.
“I am very pleased to take on the role of Managing Director ANZ, where we are well positioned to grow with purpose, through our vertically integrated business, here in Australia and New Zealand,” said Mitchell.
“It is my firm view that we are still in the early stages of a significant growth period in sustainable travel, and I look forward to working with all of our partners to grow this category and ensure Intrepid’s ongoing leadership in this space.”
Mitchell takes over from Sarah Clark who will depart the business in mid-November ahead of starting a new position as CEO of Tourism Tasmania in early 2023.
Born and raised in Tasmania, Clark brings to global tourism experience, specialising in travel and marketing across multiple continents, as well as a deep understanding of sustainable travel.
She takes over from John Fitzgerald who has led Tourism Tasmania as CEO for almost a decade.
“As a proud Tasmanian, I am honoured to take on the role and provide leadership to realise Tasmania’s vision and plan of being a global leader in sustainable tourism,” Clark said.
“We are a destination on the top of many Australians travel lists, with international travellers quickly catching on. People are looking for enriching and meaningful travel experiences and Tasmania is unlike anywhere in the world. We are beautifully positioned to thrive as travel recovers with our world class gastronomy, natural environment, arts, and unique culture.
“I look forward to leading the incredible and very capable team at Tourism Tasmania and working with the wider tourism industry to drive positive social, cultural and economic impact to Tasmanians through a strong and sustainable visitor economy.”
Hilton Little Queen Street welcomes new Head Chef
Jason Lear joins the team at Hilton Little Queen Street as the newly appointed Head Chef at restaurant Luci and cocktail bar, The Douglas Club.
Lear brings a wealth of experience, having worked at respected Australian restaurants Grossi Florentino (Melbourne), Cafe Di Stasio (Melbourne) and Pilu at Freshwater (Sydney).
Lear is introducing a new Spring menu that celebrates local Australian produce with dishes inspired by Melbourne’s vibrant Italian community.
“I’m delighted to be at Luci,” said Lear.
“It’s one of Melbourne’s most beautiful dining spaces and also a bit of a hidden gem. I can’t wait for guests to come in and enjoy our new Spring menu where we’ll be showcasing the best of the season, including a bruschetta with a Springtime twist featuring broad beans, peas and chèvre.”
Outrigger names VP of Sales for the Americas
Outrigger Hospitality Group has named Angela Murphy as Vice President of Sales – The Americas.
Murphy brings a wealth of experience with her most recent role being Global Director of Sales and Marketing Consultant for a portfolio of contracted clients in New York, Northern California, Portland and internationally.
Prior to consulting, she was Co-Founder of non-profit Food for Change; Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Proper Hospitality and also Viceroy Hotels and Resorts; Global Director of Sales and Marketing for One&Only / Kerzner International for Australia and the U.S.; and Key Account Director for IHG for Australia, US and UK.
Murphy will work on developing key sales strategies for the brand’s Waikīkī Collection, Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa and other Hawai‘i properties. She will drive strategy in the growing groups and wedding market segments; lead the Outrigger Expert Advisor and Outrigger Business Connection programs; and lead the company services sales and North America independent contractor network.