Sudima Kaikōura names Hotel Manager
HIND Management has named Brad McGlynn as Hotel Manager at Sudima Kaikōura, which is set to open in October 2022.
McGlynn has previously managed some of New Zealand’s iconic hotels, including Chateau Tongariro, and most recently served as Hotel Manager for Sudima Christchurch City.
“We are delighted to be opening the Kaikōura location under Brad’s longstanding expertise,” said HIND Management’s Chief People Officer, Phillipa Gimmillaro.
“His responsibilities are key as the hotel manager of our newest property, and we know guests will enjoy the full Sudima Hotels experience with his dedication to the role. His previous position as an existing member of the HIND Management and Sudima Hotels family makes him the perfect choice to lead the opening and guide the hotel as the region navigates through a recovering tourism sector.”
McGlynn said it is a privilege to be given the responsibility of opening a new hotel.
“This hotel will be very special with its prime location on the shores of Kaikōura,” he said.
“What’s not to love about this place? The views are spectacular with rugged coast, dramatic mountains seemingly rising from the sea and incredible wildlife including a range of seabirds, seals, dolphins, and whales right on our doorstep.”
Sudima Kaikōura will be the company’s seventh hotel in the region,
“As the largest accommodation provider in Kaikōura, we have opened the door for our international inbound and wholesale operators to attract longer stays for larger travelling groups and offer a standard of accommodation which will appeal to a wider range of travellers,” said McGlynn.
Heritage appoints former Air NZ exec to lead operations
Heritage Hotel Management has appointed Rachael Nicholson as Group General Manager Operations.
Based in the company’s corporate office in Auckland, Nicholson commenced the role on August 1.
A respected travel and tourism executive, Nicolson has held senior leadership positions in the cruise and airline industries across the UK, US and New Zealand.
She brings over 23 years’ experience in the travel industry, 18 of which were spent at Air New Zealand where in various roles she was responsible for sales, revenue, operations, sponsorship, supply chain, strategy, and alliances.
Most recently, Nicholson led the airline’s Global Re-Start programme, which included the establishment of services to New York, and leading the airline’s COVID response team.
“We are delighted to have someone of Rachael’s calibre join our executive team at this exciting time as the industry re-builds,” said Heritage Hotel Management CEO Graham Yan.
“Rachael brings critical skills in operations, revenue growth and customer experience, and her broad knowledge will be a great asset for the Group’s future growth plans.”
Nicholson said she looks forward to being part of the group’s next phase of growth.
“I am passionate about delivering a world class customer experience, and leading and developing high-performance teams,” she said.
“I am looking forward to being part of Heritage Hotel groups’ rebuild and growth trajectory, and to welcoming back both local and international visitors to our spectacular country.”
TAA Victoria strengthens advisory committee
Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) has bolstered its advisory committee ranks with the addition of two senior hoteliers, ahead of the planned merger with Accommodation Association.
Pan Pacific Hotel Group Cluster General Manager, Melbourne, David Tonkin and Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders General Manager, Sandra Smith, have been appointed, effective immediately, following an expression of interest campaign.
Both seasoned hoteliers with almost 30 years experience each, Tonkin has worked with the Rydges brand across Melbourne and the United Arab Emirates, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, and has spent the last seven years working with Pan Pacific Hotels.
Smith spent nine years at Switzerland-based travel services company Kuoni Travel, and has been with IHG since 2009, where she has also held senior business development/sales roles.
TAA (Vic) Chair, Crown Hotels Melbourne Executive General Manager, Shaun D’Cruz welcomed the appoint
“David and Sandra are highly credentialled hoteliers, whose experience and perspectives will be welcomed as the Council continues to address industry opportunities and challenges,” he said.
Sebel Ringwood welcomes new Head Chef
The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood has appointed Nathan George as Head Chef of on-site restaurant, The Orchard Restaurant and Bar.
George brings over a decade of culinary experience and was a key player in the launches of many leading Australian restaurants and bars including RidgeView Wines in the Hunter Valley and Little Odessa bar in Fitzroy.
“Through my previous culinary leadership roles, I believe I have gained the knowledge needed to successfully build hospitality experiences from the ground up and hope I can apply this wisdom to my work at The Orchard Restaurant and Bar”, said George.
With a love for rustic Victorian cuisine, George wants the new menu at The Orchard to hero sustainably sourced ingredients and quality fresh produce.
WFW bolsters APAC Hotels team
Watson Farley and Williams (WFW) has welcomed Greg de Mesquita to its Asia Pacific Hotels and Hospitality practice as a Special Counsel,
De Mesquita, who will be based in Sydney, brings real estate and corporate experience in the hotels and hospitality sector, including acquisitions, disposals, management and franchise agreements, leasing, sale and lease backs, and joint venture agreements, and has also previously advised on government and Crown land matters, as well as transactions involving regional and rural assets.
“I am thrilled to have a sector-specialist lawyer of Greg’s calibre joining our team,” said WFW Sydney Office Head Robert Williams, who leads the hotels and hospitality division.
“The hotels and hospitality sector is rebounding strongly across Asia Pacific and both development and transaction activity is up. We have closed two sell-side resort transactions in the Maldives and one hotel in Sydney’s CBD in the last month alone.
“Greg’s arrival not only deepens our senior team, but his experience also broadens our capabilities. Securing top-quality talent is an issue across the sector and with Greg on board, we have never been better positioned to support our clients in Australia and beyond.”