Exclusive: Victoria Peterson joins Salter Brothers Hospitality
Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) has welcomed experienced marketing executive Victoria Peterson to its team.
Peterson commenced the role of Director of Marketing Performance this month, joining from The Langham Gold Coast, where she served as Director of Marketing Communications for over three years.
In previous roles, Peterson led marketing efforts for InterContinental Hayman Island and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.
SBH CEO Tash Tobias said Peterson will play an important role in the evolution of the business.
“Last year, we unveiled our new brand and ambitious vision for the future of SBH,” said Tobias.
“We have taken another big step forward by strengthening our team. Victoria Peterson is a dynamic and accomplished leader, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the SBH family.
“Victoria’s wealth of hospitality experience, passion, and leadership skills will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve.”
In this new role, Peterson will report to Chief Commercial Officer John Thompson.
“I am incredibly excited to join Salter Brothers Hospitality at such an exciting time of growth for the group,” Peterson said.
“I am really looking forward to working with the team to continue to redefine excellence in hospitality across our luxury retreat hotels and restaurants.”
Novotel Geelong welcomes Scott Bear as GM
Novotel Geelong has appointed Scott Bear as its new General Manager.
Joining from Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah, where he held his first General Manager role for the past 2.5 years, Bear brings a decade of hospitality industry experience across a range of departments and hotels, from midscale to luxury.
As General Manager of Novotel Geelong, Bear will focus on pushing the boundaries of service to create exceptional experiences for visitors to Geelong.
“I’m thrilled to join Novotel Geelong and to have the opportunity to contribute to such a vibrant region,” said Bear.
“I look forward to working with our team to elevate the guest experience, while building meaningful partnerships with the local community.”
A graduate of the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS), Bear went on to gain extensive operational experience in the Food and Beverage and Rooms divisions and completed the Accor Post Graduate Program in 2021.
A runner-up for Australian Rising Star of the Year at the HM Awards, he is recognised for his hands-on leadership and dedication to creating memorable experiences for both guests and colleagues.
Bear’s passion for fostering local connections led to the Mercure hotel becoming the first sponsor of the Manly Sea Eagles Women’s NRL Team.
His philanthropic efforts include personally raising over $14,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute through CEO Dare to Cure, where he shaved his head and participated in a skydive; and he has also championed opportunities for the disability sector through his involvement with Hotel Etico.
Kakadu Tourism names new Chair as Rick Allert AO retires
Lauren Ganley, a proud First Nations woman who has spent decades working to advance Indigenous engagement, has been appointed Chair of Kakadu Tourism, following the retirement of Rick Allert AO after a decade in the position.
Darwin-based Ganley has served on the board of Kakadu Tourism since 2012.
As Head of Telstra’s First Nations Strategy and Engagement, Ganley leads the strategy and ongoing governance of engagement with First Nations people and communities across Australia.
Her extensive involvement in the NT community includes Director roles on the Boards of Community First Development, Agency Projects, Darwin Festival, NT Major Events, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (NT Division).
“It has been very rewarding to have worked on the Board and with Rick for so many years, and I look forward to building on that legacy as Kakadu continues to rebuild its tourism sector after the substantial challenges of the pandemic and reduced air access into the Northern Territory,” said Ganley.
“The role of Kakadu Tourism is focused on providing an authentic visitor experience and working collaboratively with Bininj/Mungguy to achieve an economically, environmentally and culturally sustainable future for the Park.
“There is considerable work being undertaken to upgrade the tourism infrastructure of Kakadu National Park, and we have invested in upgrading our tourism product and working with Traditional Owners to provide a memorable connection with Aboriginal culture and traditions.
“With the prospect of enhanced air access into Darwin, we will be hoping to rebuild our international markets, as well as attract more Australians to visit this unique dual-listed UNESCO World Heritage reserve that has been inhabited continuously for more than 60,000 years.”
Established with Kakadu National Park’s Traditional Owners to provide a comprehensive range of accommodation and tourism services across the region, Kakadu Tourism operates the world-famous Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, Cooinda Lodge and Camping Ground, Yellow Water Cruises, Yellow Water Fishing, and Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventures operating from Cooinda.
Allert ends his tenure with Kakadu Tourism and finishes as a director on the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). He remains on the Board of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and is a former Chair of Tourism Australia.