The latest round-up of industry appointments sees big changes at Pan Pacific, Pier One, The Langham and Cordis.
PAN PACIFIC
Luxury hotel Pan Pacific Perth has recently welcomed Jeremy Aniere as General Manager (Dec 21).
Bringing over 20 years of hotel experience, Aniere was most recently Vice President Operations, Greater China overseeing 23 properties for Accor Group. Prior to this, he held General Manager and Area General Manager positions across China for Accor Group, as well as senior positions for Hyatt Group and Shangri-La Group across Australia, the US, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
Originally from Perth, Aniere will return to his hometown to lead the hotel.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Perth and joining a great team in a hotel that enjoys such a memorable history; and for a brand that is firmly established in Australia’s key cities,” Aniere said.
“I look forward to contributing to the warm and genuine guest experience that Pan Pacific Perth has become known for, and continuing on the success of my predecessor Rob Weeden.”
Pan Pacific Hotels Group Chief Operating Officer, Neo Soon Hup, said Aniere’s wealth of experience will add “tremendous value” to the Pan Pacific brand in Australia and will “further cement the hotel’s reputation as one of the leading luxury hotels in the heart of Perth”.
THE LANGHAM
The Langham Hotels and Resorts has named Jayson Heron-Smith as Director of Sales and Marketing, The Langham, Sydney and Director of Sales Australia, Global Sales Office at Langham Hospitality Group.
Heron-Smith brings over twenty-five years of experience having starting out in food and beverage, working as an event manager and in sales and marketing positions.
Heron-Smith started with The Langham Hospitality Group in Auckland in November 2019 as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Langham’s sister property, Cordis. He previously worked for companies including Hyatt, Crown Melbourne, Hilton and The Star Sydney.
Heron-Smith has returned home Australia to take up the role this month.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Australia, especially at this pivotal moment in both the Tourism Industry and LHG globally,” he said.
“I feel privileged to have landed this fantastic dual role and to be working with such an experienced and hard-working team here at The Langham, Sydney. In this new role I’m looking forward to reconnecting with clients, continuing to elevate The Langham brands in the Pacific market and driving revenue to our portfolio of luxury global hotels.”
CORDIS
Meanwhile, Cordis Auckland has appointed Stephanie Choi to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing, vacated by Jayson Heron-Smith.
Choi brings over 16 years of experience as a Director of Sales and Marketing and has previously worked at the hotel during its time as Langham Hospitality Group in Auckland.
Choi returned to New Zealand to take up the role on December 14, after many years living overseas.
“Auckland has always held a special place in my heart, not only because of its beauty, but most importantly the people and culture that I feel deeply connected to,” Choi said.
“I’m honoured to be able to work with a very talented team in supporting our customers and communities, as well as continuing to build on an already strong brand, with the exciting addition of the new Pinnacle Tower.”
Choi has worked for the Sheraton and Westin in numerous locations, Intercontinental Shanghai, W Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Shanghai and St Regis Langkawi, in locations covering Auckland, China and Malaysia.
Cordis Auckland Managing Director, Franz Mascarenhas, said it is a pivotal time for Choi to join the business with the recent launch of the new Pinnacle Tower.
“Stephanie has worked for numerous international brands and many of these assignments have included large hotels with room inventories similar to our expanded capacity, so we are pleased she brings experience of this calibre and we look forward to her applying her international insights and learnings to Cordis Auckland,” he said.
PIER ONE
Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection has appointed Chris James as Director of Sales.
James started his career at Pier One in 2012, prior to the hotel rebranding under Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. He has worked with leading international hotel brands over the last 10 years, most recently as General Manager Sales Australia for Ovolo Hotels. He has also worked with Langham Hospitality Group within the Corporate, MICE and Entertainment sectors and Arbor Group of Hotels in the United Kingdom.
“We are delighted to welcome Chris James to Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection,” Pier One Sydney Harbour General Manager, Kim Mahaffy, said.
“He joins the team with a wealth of knowledge and experience both in Australia and internationally in the luxury hotel sector. He will be responsible for driving key segment strategies, partnerships, entertainment and brand identity for our iconic property.”
James says it’s an “exciting time” to be in tourism and hospitality.
“I am delighted to join the team to ensure the guest journey is a special one. Pier One Sydney Harbour is all about sharing and creating an experience, connecting with them emotionally through the hotel design and landscape and delivering exceptional personal service,” he said.