Jodi Brown takes the lead as GM of QT Wellington
HM Awards 2022 General Manager of the Year Jodi Brown returns to EVT to take up the position of General Manager of QT Wellington and Museum Apartment Hotel.
Brown has over 14 years of experience in the luxury hotel and hospitality industry under her belt including positions such as General Manager of Atura Hotel Albury – where she led the property through a 12-month full refurbishment and rebrand – General Manager of QT Sydney, and most recently at Eos by SkyCity Adelaide, as well as SkyCity Hospitality, overseeing conferences and events and restaurants.
“We are delighted to welcome Jodi as the new General Manager of QT Wellington and Museum Apartments,” said EVT Hotels and Resorts General Manager Operations New Zealand, Simon White.
“With her bold, collaborative, and supportive leadership style, extensive experience, and passion for luxury hospitality, we are confident that Jodi will lead the team to new heights and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”
Originally from Canberra, Australia, this will be Brown’s first role in New Zealand.
“I am thrilled to join the QT Wellington team, and I’m excited to be back working with QT. It’s such a vibrant and playful brand. My aim is to continue to grow and establish QT Wellington as the ultimate destination for travellers.”
In her new role at QT Wellington, Brown will be tasked with redefining the food and beverage experience at the hotel and enhancing the overall guest experience.
“People are the heart of everything we do, from providing a high level of service as part of the guest experience to building a high-performing team. We plan on reinvigorating creative changes in our food and beverage offerings and will continue to look for new ways to provide exciting experiences for our guests,” said Brown.
The Museum Apartment Hotel is a 97-room apartment-style accommodation offering, adjoining QT Wellington.
Owned by EVT, the hotel is part of the group’s Independent Collection. Guests shared access to all QT Wellington’s facilities, including an indoor pool, spa, gym, conferencing, and dining options.
Salter Brothers Hospitality names inaugural CEO
Salter Brothers has recruited Tash Tobias as CEO of its recently launched hospitality management platform Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH).
Based in the SBH head office in Brisbane, Tobias commenced the role on August 28.
Reporting to the board and leading the executive committee, she oversees operations of the retreat hotels, restaurants and bars, and spas and wellness facilities under management and/or licensing services.
Tobias has spent nearly 15 years of her career at IHG, working in numerous roles across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, including heading operations for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
More recently, she spent three years at Virgin Australia, leading customer experience and product, and for the past four years she has been a senior executive at Brisbane City Council, responsible for a diverse range of sporting, creative and community services.
“With an extensive background in hospitality management and branding, Tash is well placed to drive our business growth here in Australia and across Asia Pacific, where we will benefit from her vast experience,” said Salter Brothers Managing Director, Paul Salter.
Tobias will be tasked with growing the properties branded to Spicers Retreats, Ardour Hotels and Estates and the Spa Anise with third party owners.
“I am honoured to be the inaugural CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality,” she said.
“Having the opportunity to build something that is truly unique in this sector is a rare privilege. I am looking forward to working with the board, our partners and our world class team to build on the strength of the Spicers Retreats brand as we prepare for next year’s formal launch of Ardour Hotels and Estates.”
Sofitel Adelaide names new GM
South Australian Scott Eger has been appointed to the position of General Manager at Sofitel Adelaide.
Eger, who commenced the role on August 7, brings more than 20 years of experience having worked in senior executive and general management roles for an array of five-star hospitality brands including Hayman Island Resort and Fairmont Hotels and Resort in the United Arab Emirates.
“I am thrilled to be leading Sofitel Adelaide forward as we continue to elevate luxury in our region’s newest international hotel,” he said.
“Originally from South Australia, I have enjoyed seeing the considerable development within the state’s hospitality and tourism sector over recent years. To be part of this leading property which plays such an important role in this growth is a tremendous honour.”
Eger has enjoyed a long tenure with Accor, first joining the Reef Hotel Casino in an executive management role before moving to NSW where he held a number of senior executive and general management positions, including at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Crystalbrook Collection appoints Area General Manager for Cairns
Crystalbrook Collection has appointed Luke James as the new Area General Manager for Cairns.
Based at Crystalbrook Flynn, James – who returns to Australia from Dubai – brings over 20 years of experience across a range of upscale hotels, resorts and beach clubs.
“We are delighted to have Luke join us at Crystalbrook in a senior leadership role in Cairns,” said Crystalbrook Collection CEO, Geoff York.
“Luke returns to Australia with significant experiences in upscale hospitality, initially in Australia with a focus on culinary restaurants and bars, and then a combined 15 years in General Manager roles in the UAE. He has a passion for delivering amazing customer experiences and with a strong belief in the importance of Crystalbrook Collection’s sustainability values.”
In his new role, James will oversee Crystalbrook Collection’s three Cairns properties – Riley, Bailey and Flynn – and will play “a pivotal role in charting the strategic direction of the Cairns management”.
“Whilst I cherished my time in the Middle East, I have spent 15 years watching and admiring Mr Aboud’s growth and diversification strategy across his many businesses,” James said.
“It is now an honour and privilege to return home to help operate and grow his hotel and resort portfolio in Australia.
“Crystalbrook Collection’s reputation and strategic pillars such as sustainable and innovative luxury, very much align to my values and made it easy to make the decision to return to Australia.
“I can’t wait to oversee these three stunning properties in an iconic part of Australia, the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef.”
New faces join the team at Holiday Inn and Suites Geelong
Holiday Inn and Suites Geelong has announced a number of additions to its team, under the leadership of General Manager Daniel Payne, ahead of its opening on September 8, 2023.
Accomplished Executive Chef Migo Razon, who hails from the Philippines, brings an impressive breadth of experience to restaurant Maestro, including from roles at Pacific Bay Resort, Double Tree by Hilton Melbourne, and most recently at Sheraton Melbourne Hotel.
Seasoned hospitality professional Dave Wilson, from Scotland, also joins the team as Food and Beverage Manager.
Wilson spent 12 years at the Vue Group in Melbourne before transitioning to Little Creatures Geelong Brewery as Operations Manager for three years.
Stacey Cameron takes up the position of Director of Sales and Marketing. Her career history includes managing operations at Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove and orchestrating events in Tropical North Queensland.
Ariel Ying-Hsuan Wang has been appointed as Front Desk Manager. Born in Taiwan and raised in Brazil, Wang’s career journey includes front office roles at Skye Suites and Hyatt Regency in Sydney.
“We are committed to showcasing the outstanding offerings of this benchmark Holiday Inn property and contributing to the Geelong region’s growing reputation as a premier destination for travellers,” said General Manager Daniel Payne.
“As such, we have dedicated our efforts to attracting exceptional talent with extensive hospitality experience, as well as knowledge of the local area. Their expertise and enthusiasm will ensure Holiday Inn and Suites Geelong provides an unparalleled experience for guests, setting new standards for hospitality in the region.”
Executive Chef appointed at Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef has appointed Craig Robertson to the role of Executive Chef.
Robertson boasts 35 years hospitality experience, not only as a chef but as a sommelier, arborist and butcher.
He has held a number of senior positions including Executive Chef for the launch of The Langham Gold Coast, Executive Chef at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and most recently as Culinary Specialist at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.
He will oversee all culinary offerings including the two onsite restaurants Infinity and Inkspot as well as the breakfast buffet ‘Graze’ and catering for all functions and events.
“There is so much potential to elevate the F&B offering at Daydream Island Resort and I’m thrilled to be working with the team to create a more refined standard of dining without the high-end price tag,” Robertson said.
“This includes introducing a range of new gourmet offerings like luxury private dining experiences at Lover’s Cove and unique culinary inspired pop-up as well as evolving the menu at Inkstone and Infinity.”