Ovolo Group has enhanced its Queensland workforce, with Nathan Dean hired as Brisbane Area General Manager. Dean brings experience with Crown Hotels and Stamford to his new role, relocating from Canberra where he served as General Manager at Ovolo Nishi. His new duties include overseeing operations at Ovolo The Valley and The Inchcolm by Ovolo, which itself has recruited Roberto Russo as General Manager. Russo joins the team with a highly international professional pedigree, bringing experience in Malta and The Collective Old Oak, the first and largest co-living project in the world.
Also joining the team is Diana Montenegro, who comes onboard as Food and Beverage General Manager for the company’s Brisbane hotels. Working alongside Dean, Montenegro will manage Za Za Ta and Kazba Bar and moves to the role having most recently served as General Manager at Stanley, part of the Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct.
New Zealand’s Scenic Hotel Group has conducted a company-wide strategic review, announcing some changes to its central leadership team, including two notable promotions. Brand and Communications Manager, Kelly Watson, has been promoted to the role of National Marketing Manager. In addition, Melissa Alexander will take up the position of General Manager Hotel Operations and Sales, relocating from Auckland to Christchurch for the opportunity. Scenic Hotel Group has also promoted Chris Clayton to the role of Head of IT, Distribution and Digital to further advance the company’s digital transformation.
At a network level, Scenic has welcomed back Richard Bungeroth to the company as General Manager of Airedale Boutique Suites. Further, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef has recruited experienced hotel manager, Brad Watts, as the focus resumes on the region’s recovery.
Online travel reservations giant, Booking.com, has elevated Melissa Ellison to the role of Area Manager for Australia. Ellison has climbed the ranks of the Sydney team since 2017 when she joined as an Account Manager. Her new duties will include overseeing the company’s recovery strategy for Australia, drawing on her near-decade of experience in the travel industry.
Following an extensive recruitment process, Carolyn Turnbull has been promoted to Managing Director of Tourism WA for a five-year term. Turnbull has been elevated to the role having joined the organisation last year as Executive Director – Industry, Aviation and Markets. A highly experienced industry leader, Turnbull brings more than two decades in the sector to her new role and moves from her former position as an Executive at Perth Airport.
Following its 2021 Annual General Meeting, the Exhibition and Event Association of Australia has welcomed its new Board of Directors, helmed by Nicole Walker from Arinex as incoming President. Also elected was ICC Sydney’s Helen Mantellato as Vice President, Paul Elliott as Treasurer and Elissa Duke from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre as Secretary. Also elected to the Board as Supplier and Association Representatives were Rodney Cox, Rod Peter and Kym De Britt.
Two venue designated positions on the Board remain vacant, with an EOI closing on 10 December.