Pro-invest adds broad range of industry talent to revenue team
Pro-invest Hotels has made three key appointments to its revenue team, with the addition of Donna Rodios as Head of Revenue, Kelly Brady as Portfolio Revenue Director, and Kate Heather as Portfolio Revenue Manager.
Rodios brings more than two decades of experience across travel and hospitality in Australasia including senior roles at IHG, Accor and Expedia Group. She will oversee revenue, management and distribution teams to drive performance across all Pro-invest Hotels and Vista Hospitality Group properties.
Working closely with Rodios to ensure continued profitability across all properties is Kelly Brady, who brings more than 20 years’ experience. Her extensive revenue experience includes roles with Accor in Brisbane and Melbourne, Marriott International on the Gold Coast and The Langham, Gold Coast.
Kate Heather – who joins from Expedia Group – will be responsible for driving revenue strategy, specifically focusing on Vista Hospitality Group properties. She will be based in Brisbane.
“We are delighted to announce the addition of Donna, Kelly, and Kate to our Revenue [team],” said Pro-invest Hotels, Chief Operating Officer Shantha De Silva.
“Their collective insight will help fuel our growth, optimise hotel performance, and deliver exceptional results across all our properties.
“The cross-industry experience these three women bring to our Group is exciting and we’re looking forward to the innovative ideas and fresh perspective they will bring to our revenue strategy.”
Marriott GM takes up Four Points role in Auckland
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland prepares to welcome Jai Leighton as General Manager effective July 17, 2023.
Leighton brings over 20 years of hospitality experience, having worked for key brands and integrated resorts across Australia and New Zealand. He joined Marriott International in 2020 to launch JW Marriott Gold Coast – the first JW Marriott branded property to launch in ANZP.
During his time with the property, it secured several industry awards including the 2021 HM Awards for Hotel Excellence Resort of the Year Winner.
He relocated to Auckland to introduce the JW Marriott brand to the New Zealand market, overseeing the conversion of the property, as Hotel Manager.
“We look forward to Jai’s success in his new role as General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland and are confident that his previous experience at Marriott International will make him a strong asset to the team,” said Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt.
“Jai’s expertise on the New Zealand market through his work in launching our flagship brand into the country will bring valuable perspective to his role at Four Points by Sheraton, and his demonstrated leadership skills will see him thrive in this new role.”
In this role, Leighton will oversee a team of 115 and all operations of the property.
“I am extremely excited to join the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland team and work with them to enhance what the property offers and the returns to our stakeholders – owners, Marriott International, our team and our guests,” Leighton said.
“There is a lot of opportunity to elevate the property, particularly as the Auckland market continues expanding and welcoming more travellers to the destination.”
G’day Group strengthens digital arm with appointment of Chief Technology Officer
Holiday parks business G’day Group has appointed David Hassan as to the position of Chief Technology Officer.
A respected technology and product leader, Hassan brings a wealth of experience in the tourism industry, having worked with Qantas, Virgin and Helloworld Travel. In his most recent role, he served as Chief Technology and Information Officer with recruitment firm Hudson.
G’day Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Grant Wilckens, said the appointment comes as the company seeks to drive growth through an ongoing digital transformation.
“With ambitions to become a $2.5 billion company in the next five years, we know that we need to pursue growth through digital transformation to streamline the customer experience in our parks and unlock latent value in our suite of digital tools, including WikiCamps and the G’day Parks booking and loyalty platform,” he said.
“We are very excited that we have secured someone of David’s talent to lead our technology and digital program that will support our strategic ambitions and maintain our position as a market leader in the tourism and hospitality industry.”
Hassan, who will be based in Sydney, said it is an exciting time to join the growing company.
“Technology plays a fundamental role in underpinning organisational growth as well as in meeting and exceeding the expectations of our consumers,” he said.
“To be able to make a difference not only to the way in which the company operates but also in the way we create memorable experiences for our guests is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Earlier this year, G’day Group welcomed the return of Karen Jarrett to the business, joining the senior management team as Chief Financial Officer.
The former CFO at global fitness company Sweat, has also held senior roles at ZEN Energy and Simec Energy Australia. Jarett previously worked for Gday Group from 2010 to 2015.