The Tasman names new General Manager
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart has appointed Carolyn Smith as General Manager.
Smith brings over two decades of experience in hospitality, having started out at The Westin Melbourne in 2001 before venturing to London in 2010 to gain international experience with a role at The Langham London.
In 2014, she led the opening of the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel as Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms and in 2019 became Director of Operations at Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, where she implemented strategic changes that drove significant growth for the resort.
Since 2021, Smith has served as the opening General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens. She was named GM of the Year 2023 for Marriott Brand Select Brand Hotels in the APEC region.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at The Tasman, an icon of Tasmanian hospitality, at this pivotal time in the hotel’s journey, following several remarkable achievements in 2024,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to building on that success in alignment with The Tasman’s commitment to delivering world-class experience while honoring Tasmania’s unique heritage and charm.”
Capella Sydney welcomes new Director of Sales and Marketing
Capella Sydney has welcomed Lucas Gimenez Polcheira as the new Director of Sales and Marketing.
Polcheira joins from Accor, where he served as the Commercial Director at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. During his tenure, Lucas successfully repositioned the hotel within the premium market following its AU$70 million renovation in 2024.
He brings over 20 years of global experience in senior leadership roles across the hospitality sector, with hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels Group and 8Hotels, with expertise in sales, marketing, and revenue generation.
“Lucas’s deep experience in commercial strategy and his passion for innovation make him the ideal fit for Capella Sydney,” said Capella Sydney General Manager, Marc von Arnim.
“His expertise in both sales and marketing, combined with his proven success in Sydney’s competitive luxury market, will be instrumental in building upon our recent recognition as ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ at the 2024 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards.
“This appointment further strengthens our position as Australia’s leading luxury hotel, as we continue to lead the way as masters in the craft of hospitality.”
Polcheira will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, focusing on expanding the hotel’s market reach, driving revenue across multiple channels, and fostering key partnerships.
“I am thrilled to join Capella Sydney, a hotel renowned for its commitment to excellence and luxury,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the exceptional team here to build on Capella Sydney’s outstanding reputation and to deliver exceptional results for both our guests and the hotel.”
Before joining Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Lucas held senior leadership positions within the Accor group and
JLL names Investment Sales VP for Asia
JLL Hotel and Hospitality Group has appointed Irina Chadsey as Vice President, Investment Sales, Asia. Based in Singapore, she will be responsible for hotel sales and advisory in the Southeast Asia hotels market, with an initial focus on the Singapore sector.
Chadsey first joined JLL’s Hotels and Hospitality Group in March 2016 in Singapore, contributing significantly to the Investment Sales team. Her return follows four years at One Championship, where she served as Senior Director, Brand Partnerships, Global Strategic Key Accounts. She was also a finalist on The Apprentice: One Championship Edition, which aired on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
“I’m excited to rejoin JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group. My experience, combined with our diverse regional team, will deliver top-tier services for hospitality transactions in Southeast Asia,” said Chadsey.
“We’re well-positioned to capitalize on the resurgence of foreign investment seen in 2024, which is expected to grow as investors target the region’s expanding hospitality market.”
The appointment comes as market activity and sentiment is expected to accelerate in 2025. According to JLL analysis, Asia Pacific’s hotel investment market is demonstrating exceptional resilience and growth potential, with the firm projecting AU$12.8 billion in hotel transactions for 2025.
“The hotel market in Southeast Asia, led by Singapore and Thailand, is drawing diverse interest from global and regional investors,” said JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group Asia Pacific, Senior Vice President, Julien Naouri.
“With her expertise in strategic consulting, international sales and relationship management, we are delighted to welcome Irina back and have great confidence that her expertise will be instrumental in driving our hotel sales initiatives in Southeast Asia”