Apartment hotel company The Veriu Group has appointed Michael Herman as its new Director of Development as the company readies for a strong growth period.
Herman, a chartered accountant, joins from the Toga Group and TFE Hotels where he started out as Financial Controller and Head of IT. Here, he also held the role of Group Commercial Manager, before transitioning into the role of Executive Development Manager.
Over a period of 24 years, he played a vital role in growing the Group from eight properties, when he first started, to over 80 hotels throughout Australia, New Zealand and Germany including Adina Apartment Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and The Collection.
“Michael offers us a wellspring of invaluable – and directly relevant, experience dealing with developers,” said The Veriu Group CEO, Zed Sanjana.
“At TFE, he was responsible for evaluating new hotel opportunities either by way of acquisition, development or operating agreements for all of the Group’s brands. He comes to the Veriu Group with a proven record of delivering impressive results, and we expect him to take a lead role in fulfilling our key strategic growth objectives for the Group.”
Sanjana said the business is entering an exciting growth period.
“Demand from the development community for both our Veriu and Punthill brands is strong, and getting stronger, despite the challenges of the last two years,” he said
“We’re set to grow by at least another 10 properties by 2025 and we’re very keen partner with developers to sign up new hotels.”
Herman departed Toga Group early last year and took a break from the industry for a period before accepting the role at The Veriu Group.
“They’re a small, nimble team of exceptional people, with an excellent reputation, and two solid brands,” Herman said.
“I’m really looking forward to ensuring their growth plans are achieved around Australia, with a particular focus on NSW, and I can’t wait to get started.”