Dorsett announces cluster of appointments
Dorsett Melbourne has made a number of key appointments to align the strategic focus of Sales, Revenue and Reservations amid a restructure of commercial teams across Dorsett’s Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Maggie Wong has been appointed Director of Sales. Wong joined the team in March 2024, bringing 16 years of hotel industry experience across multiple properties within Hong Kong and Australia.
“I am honoured to join the talented team at Dorsett Hotel Melbourne and look forward to leveraging my expertise in the hotel sector, working closely with the wider commercial team to drive sales and awareness of this fantastic property,” Wong said.
“Our vision for Dorsett Hotel Melbourne in 2024 and beyond is to become the premier destination for discerning travellers seeking unparalleled experiences in the heart of Melbourne.
“We aspire to be recognised not only for our exceptional service and luxurious accommodations, but also for our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.”
Wendy Au has been appointed Business Development Manager, bringing over 10 years of experience in hotels across Asia and Australia; and Kylie Ortega joins the team as Conference and Events Sales Executive, bringing over five years’ experience at several other major Australian hotels.
Ross Spencer, previously Revenue and Reservations Manager of Dorsett Gold Coast, has taken on the role of Director of Revenue – Australia, overseeing both Dorsett Gold Coast and Dorsett Melbourne. He now reports to Ashley Britnell, who has been promoted to Director of Commercial – Australia.
Andy Karabouloukis takes on the role of Director of Sales – MICE, supporting the two Dorsett hotels in Australia.
Sydney Novotel welcomes new GM
Andrew Hills has taken on the General Manager role at Novotel Sydney Darling Square, also taking leadership of adjoining venue, Pumphouse Sydney, as of April 2024.
Hills’ hotel career includes over 26 years with Accor, which saw him in General Manager roles at a number of properties across New South Wales, including Mercure Penrith, Mercure Sydney Parramatta, Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour and, most recently, Novotel Sydney Central.
“I am extremely excited to now be a part of the Novotel Sydney Darling Square and Pumphouse Sydney team,” said Hills.
“I am looking forward to engaging with our guests and staff, bringing to life the vibrant energy of the Darling Square precinct and positioning the property and venue as the place of work, stay and play.”
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport names new leader
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, recently recognised as the World’s Best Airport Hotel, welcomes Greg Gubiani as its new General Manager.
Gubiani brings 25 years of hospitality industry experience, having worked across the globe, from the Maldives, Polynesia and New Caledonia to Australia and Southeast Asia.
During a long career with Marriott International, he managed brands such as Westin, Le Méridien and Aloft, most recently, serving as General Manager of The Westin Kuala Lumpur and Chairman of the Marriott Malaysia Business Council since 2019, representing and supporting Marriott hotels in Malaysia.
“I am honoured to take on the role of General Manager at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport and be part of this iconic hotel in Singapore that has consistently been voted by travellers as the World’s Best Airport Hotel for nine years running,” said Gubiani.
“And I am delighted to join a team of passionate colleagues who dedicate themselves to providing True Hospitality every day, and crafting delightful experiences that leave lasting memories.”
Alessandro Pavoni to launch new Italian restaurant at Manly Pacific
Manly Pacific – MGallery has welcomed renowned Chef Alessandro Pavoni to introduce a new Italian all day dining destination, Cibaria Manly.
Known for his culinary successes at Ormeggio at the Spit and a’Mare, Pavoni envisions Cibaria as a celebration of authentic Italian flavours, seamlessly transitioning from casual café to aperitivo gatherings, and long lunch, to late night gelato – a collaboration with Ormeggio’s Victor Moya.
“Cibaria embodies the essence of European warmth, inviting guests to savour the simple pleasures of life,” Pavoni said.
“Every dish at Cibaria is a tribute to Italy’s rich culinary heritage, we are committed to cooking Italian cuisine with its roots in tradition, yet a strong sense of local place.”
Manly Pacific General Manager, Dylan Cole, welcomed Pavoni and the establishment of this new restaurant.
“We are thrilled that our renovation means we can now house a restaurant from Alessandro Pavoni and the distinguished Ormeggio Team,” said Cole.
“Having a chef of such prestige and calibre in our property serves as a testament to the quality of our hotel.
“We are so confident in the luxury experience we can provide for our guests and this demonstrates our offering is going from strength to strength.”
WFW welcomes new Senior Associate to Singapore office
Watson Farley and Williams is expanding its APAC Hotels and Hospitality team with the appointment of Senior Associate Joy Yi, based in the company’s Singapore office.
Lada Shelkovnikova and Robert Williams welcomed Yi’s appointment, saying she brings strong sector expertise, and an impressive track record.
“Joy’s arrival boosts our Hospitality capability on the ground in Singapore, and allows us to better service our clients as they look to capitalize on the peaking levels of hotel development and transaction activity across the 30+ countries we service in APAC, Indian Ocean and MENA regions,” the company said in a statement.
“This senior hire builds on our 2022 appointment of Greg de Mesquita as a Special Counsel in in Sydney, and Sven Hofmann as an associate in Singapore in late 2021 and means that Watson Farley and Williams now fields the largest specialist dedicated Hotels and Hospitality in Asia Pacific.”