InterContinental Auckland names General Manager
InterContinental Auckland welcomes Ryan South as General Manager ahead of its opening in late 2023.
Throughout a long career with IHG spanning over 22 years, South has worked across Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand, and most recently as general manager of Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific.
“It’s exciting to be back in Auckland and take the helm of this landmark luxury hotel and give New Zealanders and international visitors to the City of Sails a taste of the InterContinental Life,” South said.
“Over the coming months I will be working with our development partners, Precinct Properties, to realise our shared vision for InterContinental Auckland, while recruiting and leading the team who will welcome guests to this prestigious development which is set to become one of Auckland’s most iconic waterfront hotels and a destination in its own right in the heart of the vibrant Commercial Bay precinct.”
The luxury hotel development in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland marks IHG’s second InterContinental hotel in the country.
Hilton Singapore welcomes experienced Hotel Manager
Experienced hotelier Linda Reddy takes up the position of Hotel Manager at Hilton Singapore Orchard – the largest Hilton hotel in the Asia Pacific region.
Reddy, who brings over 25 years of hospitality experience, including in hotels in Johannesburg like the Garden Court Sandton City, the Southern Sun Montecasino and Pivot Conference Centre and the Palazzo Montecasino.
Her most recent stint was General Manager of Hilton Sandton, an appointment she held since 2019.
She will work with General Manager Cedric Nubul to lead the team in all aspects of hotel operations.
“We are delighted to welcome Linda to our team at Hilton Singapore Orchard,” said Nubul.
“Her extensive experience in the hospitality industry and proven leadership skills make her an exemplary choice for this role as we continue to deliver our brand-defining standards of hospitality well beyond our first year of operations. We are excited to see the positive impact Linda will bring to the hotel and we are confident that she will offer great value to our team.”
As Hotel Manager, she will oversee the hotel’s 1,080 guest rooms and suites, five dining concepts, and its extensive MICE and wedding offerings.
“I am thrilled to be part of Hilton Singapore Orchard team and look forward to working with the talented individuals that have made this hotel a success in the year since it opened,” she said.
“I believe in the power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and am excited to be part of a company that shares these values.”
Pro-invest recruits French chef to elevate F&B
Pro-invest Hotels has appointed Jean-Baptiste Robert to the role of Regional Director Food and Beverage.
Based in the company’s Sydney office, Robert will oversee the strategic direction and operations of F&B across all the group’s hotels including the Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, voco, Holiday Inn Express and The Sebel brands.
He will be tasked with implementing strategies to ensure each venue provides guests with a truly unique F&B experience and the highest quality service.
“Guests these days expect their dining experience to match the quality of their hotel stay which means hotel F&B offerings are no longer just an afterthought,” said Pro-invest Hotels Chief Operating Officer, Shantha de Silva.
“This is why we’ve increased our focus on providing the best hospitality offering by appointing Jean-Baptiste as Regional Director Food & Beverage to help us stand out from the crowd.”
A French national, Robert brings over 25 years of industry experience including working with renowned French chef, Joel Robuchon. He has spent the past 18 years working in the travel and hospitality industry in Australia across hotels, resorts and multi-venue establishments.
Prior to joining Pro-invest Hotels, he worked with the Trippas White Group as General Manager at Sydney Tower Dining and QVB Venues.
Ponant appoints New Zealander to Deputy CEO role
Luxury cruise company Ponant has appointed New Zealander Belinda Hindmarsh as Group Deputy CEO Global Business.
Hindmarsh, who commenced the role on June 1, succeeds Hervé Bellaïche, who has stepped down from the position of Group Deputy CEO Sales, Marketing and Communications after 10 years.
A travel expert with over 20 years of industry experience, Hindmarsh has held senior positions at Aer Lingus, Expedia and most recently at CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel) where she managed the business development of the hotel division and operations in China. She was previously Executive Vice President and member of the group’s Executive Committee responsible for business growth and development.
“It is an honour and privilege to join Ponant, market leaders in luxury expeditions and cruises across the globe with demonstrated commitment to investing in environmental and social protection,” she said.
“I am delighted to join [CEO] Hervé Gastinel and the incredible team at Ponant at this pivotal moment in the company’s growth trajectory and am confident the team’s relentless focus on customer experience and innovation will continue to deliver unforgettable memories for our guests alongside unprecedented business growth.”
Hindmarsh will lead a large team with responsibilities including strategy and product conception, as well as global business development, marketing and communications.
My Kitchen Rules star to represent Langham Sydney bar
The Langham, Sydney has named My Kitchen Rules star Arrnott Olssen as the inaugural ambassador for The Observatory Bar.
Olssen will showcase the food and beverage offerings of The Observatory Bar and orchestrate an array of events featuring influential media figures and key opinion leaders.
“It is with utmost joy that I share the news of my appointment with The Langham, Sydney as their inaugural ambassador for the renowned Observatory Bar,” Olssen said of the appointment.
“I am eagerly looking forward to representing this iconic establishment as we embark on an exceptional journey together, celebrating the essence of Sydney and all the incredible experiences it has to offer.”
The Langham, Sydney Director of Marketing and Communications, Gemma Frayne, said Olssen was the “first and obvious choice” for the position.
“His passion and talents across food and beverage along with his amazing people skills and ability to light up a room, we are excited to see what he will do in this new ambassador role,” she said.