Marriott International has revealed its new Executive Leadership team for the Pacific region, who will oversee a portfolio of over 40 operating and pipeline hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The introduction of new roles and reporting structures across Operations, Sales and Distribution, Development, Marketing, Finance, Revenue Strategy and Human Resources reflect Marriott International’s commitment to more than double its presence by 2020, with a target of 50 hotels for the region.
Based at Marriott International’s Sydney head office at Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, the team is led by Sean Hunt, Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
Reporting to Rajeev Menon, Chief Operating Officer, Marriott International, APEC (Asia Pacific excluding Greater China), Hunt will oversee and drive the operations and financial performance of the property portfolio.
“It is a privilege to lead such a passionate and driven team into the future of Marriott International, which has the expertise, know-how and motivation to ensure that each of our unique brands continue to prosper in the Pacific market,” Hunt said.
“We have the combined experience and knowledge of dedicated Marriott International and Starwood associates, which is a valuable, unrivalled benefit for our business. It is an exciting time to be at the forefront of the hotel industry, and I am confident that our team will continue innovating and expanding our presence in market.”
Marriott International’s growth has also seen the restructure of the Sales and Marketing team in the region.
Ashley Hansen, previously Regional Director for Sales andMarketing and Sales Organisation in the Pacific, has been appointed to Area Director of Sales and Distribution and will oversee Marriott International’s sales operation in the region.
Florencia Aimo has been promoted from Director of Digital Marketing for Marriott Australia to Area Director of Marketing. Aimo has been tasked with the responsibility of delivering marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive brand preference.
In order to achieve its impressive development target of 50 hotels for the region, Marriott International has appointed Richard Crawford to the role of Senior Director, Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific. Previously the Development Manager – Acquisitions for Mantra Group, Richard has a strong background in commerce and tourism and will be integral to leading and expanding the company’s development plans in the Australia Pacific region, particularly in key markets where Marriott International is currently not represented. Richard will be supported in Australia by Maria Verner, formerly with Starwood’s Pacific Development and Acquisitions team and recently promoted to the role of Manager, Development for Marriott International.
Currently, Marriott International operates 26 properties in the Pacific and will more than double its presence with 22 hotels in the pipeline.
The world’s largest hotel company already has a strong market presence in the key gateway cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, as well as in emerging primary and secondary destinations with the signings of various properties, including Four Points by Sheraton Parramatta and The Westin Coolum Resort and Spa.
Marriott has a strong presence in the wider Pacific region, with hotels operating in New Caledonia; Fiji, including the recently opened Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, the first Marriott branded hotel in Fiji; and Samoa where Marriott was the first international brand to enter the market with two properties – Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort and Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows.
Marriott is also on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper scale and luxury brands and properties across the Pacific region by 2020, with recent signings including W Brisbane, W Melbourne, Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, The Ritz-Carlton Perth, The Ritz-Carlton Auckland and The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.
“Our restructure and expanding portfolio of brands puts us in a strong position to exceed our growth strategy. This year will also see us introducing and expanding on our customer initiatives and benefits, including our thriving loyalty program, meeting and conference initiatives and brand campaigns,” Hunt said.