Accommodation Australia appoints Policy and Research Advisor
Peak accommodation industry body, Accommodation Australia (AA), has appointed Jenny Lambert as its inaugural Policy and Research Advisor.
A respected industry figure, Lambert will be great asset for the association, according to AA CEO Michael Johnson.
“Jenny has over four decades experience in policy and advocacy, with a particular focus in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” said Johnson.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge and skill and we couldn’t ask for a better person to help us set the direction of the nation’s first unified voice for the tourism and accommodation sector.”
Lambert’s industry association career has seen her serve as the Industrial and Research Officer at the national office of the AHA; as Project Manager and Deputy CEO for the tourism industry training advisory body, and NSW and National CEO of the Restaurant and Catering Association.
She also headed up three industry bodies, Meetings and Events Australia, Nursery and Garden Industry and the National Tourism Alliance, and for the last decade has served as a policy director with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Accommodation Australia President Leanne Harwood said Lambert brings unrivalled experience and detailed knowledge of the issues facing the sector.
“Jenny specialises in policy issues relating to skills, education, migration, employment and tourism,” said Harwood.
“Her appointment will help Accommodation Australia tackle the number one issue holding back the sector, the skills crisis. I welcome her on board and look forward to working with her in the future.”
Crown Melbourne bolsters hospitality and guest experience
Crown Melbourne has made two hotel appointments set to drive its hospitality and VIP guest experience divisions.
Shaun D’Cruz, who has spent 18 years with the organisation, has been appointed to the newly created role of Executive General Manager VIP Customer Experience.
He will oversee the VIP customer experience across Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade, as well as food and beverage, retail, events, conferencing, and entertainment facilities.
“Shaun has done a remarkable job as EGM Hotels for Crown Melbourne over the past six years and we are excited to extend his deep industry knowledge of VIP customers and service excellence into this new role,” said Crown Melbourne CEO, Mike Volkert.
Janet Lim joins the business as Executive General Manager of Hotels, bringing over 20 years’ hospitality experience having worked across Canada, the United States and Macau.
Her most recent role was as Vice President of Operations at The Parisian Macao where she worked for the past seven years, and she previously held the role of Vice President of Operations at The Venetian Macao.
“Janet is a highly regarded industry executive who brings to Crown a wealth of international experience in luxury hotels and global hospitality businesses,” Volkert said.
“Attracting and retaining the best industry talent is crucial to our success and we are confident that Crown Melbourne will continue to set the standard of excellence for all of our guests under Shaun and Janet’s stewardship.”
Hyatt Centric Melbourne names new GM
Hyatt Centric Melbourne has appointed Mark Foxwell as General Manager, effective July 10.
Foxwell’s career with Hyatt spans over 28 years, including 14 years in General Management roles.
Having worked in General Manger positions in Japan, China, and most recently in Perth, he is excited to return to Melbourne.
“I am delighted to be joining the Hyatt Centric Melbourne team,” said Foxwell.
“Melbourne is a city I deeply resonate with, and I feel privileged to lead the Centric brand here. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues and the vibrant Melbourne community in the coming weeks and months.”
Foxwell brings a people-focused approach and expertise across all aspects of hotel operations.
QT Wellington welcomes Executive Chef
QT Wellington has announced Sylvester Nair as the Executive Chef of its harbourside restaurant, Hippopotamus.
Nair will lead operations across all outlets, including Hot Sauce Asian bar and eatery, conferencing and events, Room Service by QT, and the hotel’s signature restaurant, Hippopotamus, where he will bring a bold new culinary direction from fine dining to a more modern and approachable menu style.
“Chef Sylvester has just the sort of audacious vision required to transform Hippopotamus. We are thrilled to have him on the team leading the charge in this exciting new chapter,” said QT Wellington General Manager, Chris Greening,
Nair’s culinary style fuses his South African heritage with fine French technique.
“Hippopotamus is already an institution and I want to use it as a conduit for redefining French fine cuisine in my own way, relaxing it for modern diners but maintaining the finesse,” Nair said.
“My menu features classic techniques and flavours, but always with a twist. I’m excited to introduce diners to the new Hippopotamus, whilst retaining all of the iconic charm they know and love.”