Minor Hotels welcomes Mark Hodge to cluster GM role
Minor Hotels has appointed Mark Hodge as Cluster General Manager for Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Elysia Wellness Retreat in the Hunter Valley.
Hodge brings more than 30 years’ experience, most recently serving as General Manager Hotels and Residences at The Star Entertainment Group and previously as Senior Vice President Operations (Apartments and Leases) with Accor. He also spent more than a decade with Mantra Group, working across numerous high-profile properties.
Hodge will oversee operations and set the strategic direction for both properties to further elevate the guest experience and drive growth and performance across each department, from F&B to wellness and the 18-hole championship golf course and country club.
“We are delighted to welcome Mark to the Minor Hotels family,” said Minor Hotels Chief Operating Officer, Australasia, Craig Hooley.
“His esteemed record for steering hotels to success, commitment to empowering teams and innovative approach will be critical to the continuing evolution of these two flagship properties, and to the strategic direction of Minor Hotels more broadly in our region, and I am confident he will have a profound impact on our staff and our valued guests.”
The 2022 HM Australian General Manager of the Year, Hodge recently served as the Chair of Accommodation Australia and Queensland Advisory Committee and is an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“I am thrilled to join the Minor Hotels team to lead two incredible properties representing the very best of lifestyle, leisure and wellness in the beautiful Hunter Valley,” said Hodge.
“I am excited to work with the talented teams at both Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Elysia Wellness Retreat to further enhance the guest experience, develop exceptional teams, and ensure we are the destination of choice for this region for both leisure and corporate travellers.”
Hotel Indigo Auckland names key leaders
Ahead of its soft opening next week, Hotel Indigo Auckland has announced Mathew Simister will lead the hotel as General Manager.
An experienced hotelier with IHG Hotels and Resorts across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Simister previously led the opening of Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park and supported the opening of Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa.
Joining Simister in the executive team is Director of Sales and Marketing Alice Scott, who brings a wealth of experience from her most recent role as Senior Project Manager of Event Travel for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Scott’s expertise spans corporate, leisure, and event services, having previously held roles at Corporate Traveller, Flight Centre and CTM.
Top chef Yutak Son takes the helm at Hotel Indigo Auckland’s dining venues. Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Son honed his culinary skills in the kitchens of Sidart, Orphans Kitchen, Black Estate, Daily Bread, and The Shed at Te Motu vineyard on Waiheke Island. Most recently, Son served as Executive Head Chef for Namu Group’s eateries which include Tobi and Gemmi.
Capella welcomes former Mimi’s pastry chef
Capella Sydney has welcomed experienced pastry chef Arthur Carréto its team.
Carrébrings over 13 years of expertise from kitchens in Australia, including Mimi’s, and internationally.
Carré began his culinary journey in France, having worked at the prestigious Ferrandi Paris, before refining his craft under the guidance of renowned chef Tom Coll in a luxury hotel in Dubai.
There, he garnered recognition for his exceptional talent, particularly in the art of chocolate sculpture, earning accolades in several pastry competitions.
Nowleading the pastry team at Capella Sydney, Carré is set to introduce innovative and refined pastry creations.
His first project is the design of a limited-edition Festive Afternoon Tea at Aperture restaurant.