Michael Stamboulidis has been named General Manager of the new QT Newcastle, which opens on Thursday.
Stamboulidis spent over nine years working with hospitality group Merivale before joining QT, where he started out as the Food and Beverage Director at QT Melbourne. He said he connected with QT’s approach to guest experience and had aspirations to be a General Manager.
Also at QT Newcastle, Emma McAlary has been appointed Food and Beverage Director. McAlary brings over 15 years’ experience in the Melbourne hospitality scene, during which time she managed Melbourne’s first hatted pizzeria, Ladro, and studied wine at Hell of the North.
Meanwhile, Natalie McAlary has been named Bar Manager at the hotel which is home to Newcastle’s highest open air rooftop, Rooftop at QT. McAlary grew up in New Zealand, starting out her hospitality career at Sky City’s Orbit restaurant before joining The Grove restaurant in Auckland. In Melbourne, she managed The Stokehouse, The Atlantic, Longrain and Longsong, before joining QT Melbourne in 2020.
Langham appoints Asia Pacific development leader
Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Markus Aklin to the role of Vice President – Development, Asia Pacific as it seeks to accelerate growth in the region.
Aklin’s appointment follows the successful opening of The Langham, Jakarta, with The Langham, Gold Coast due to open later this month.
“South East Asia and the Pacific are important regional markets where we can enhance our footprint and build deeper relationships with owners and investors who will benefit from a global owner-operator like Langham Hospitality Group,” Langham Hospitality Group Chief Executive Officer, Brett Butcher, said.
“Markus is a highly respected development professional in Asia Pacific with an exceptional track record. He will be an invaluable asset to grow our brands with developers and owners in the region.”
For over 10 years, Aklin led Asia Pacific development for Onyx Hospitality Group as Director of Development and Vice-President of Business Development.
He has relocated to Hong Kong from Bangkok to take up this position.
Pro-invest names Manager for Hotel Indigo Brisbane
Pro-invest Hotels has appointed Joseph Simmons Hotel Manager of Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre, which is set to open on July 11.
Simmons brings a wealth of experience working across both luxury and mid-scale hotels throughout Australia and Europe including Sofitel Brisbane Central, Four Points Sheraton in Brisbane and Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel in London.
“It’s an exciting time for the travel industry as we see an influx of travellers visiting Brisbane and I’m so proud to be leading the fun, diverse and incredible Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre team,” Simmons said.
New chef for InterContinental Hayman Island
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has welcomed Paul Lewis as Executive Chef. Joining from Elements of Byron Resort, where he held the Executive Chef position, Lewis previously worked for IHG as opening Executive Sous Chef at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam.
Throughout his career, Lewis has led teams at 5-star properties such as the W Retreat and Spa Maldives, Le Meridien Bali and Crown Hotels in Melbourne.
He received the prestigious two hat award from the Australian Good Food Guide in 2021 and has been a guest chef for the Australian Government both in Australia and overseas for many state dinners.
“Paul has not only been creating innovative cuisine across a number of high-profile luxury resorts around the world, but has established some incredible culinary partnerships with Australia’s best wineries and local producers,” said InterContinental Hayman Island Resort General Manager, Arpad Romandy.
“Paul also brings experience in working on large high-profile events in Australia and internationally – cooking for politicians and international identities alike, so we are thrilled to have him lead and inspire our culinary teams at InterContinental Hayman Island.”