TFE Hotels has introduced a new global leadership structure supported by the appointment of three women into global officer roles as the company gears up for further expansion.
Amanda Hoolihan has been appointed to the newly created role of Global Revenue Officer; Katia Giurtalis joins the senior leadership team as Global Marketing Officer; and Shahnaz Bakhshay takes on the position of Global Sales Officer.
Under this new structure, Tish Nyar has been appointed Senior Director of Operations ANZ.
“With almost 40 years of combined TFE Hotels’ tenure, these senior executives will facilitate our international networks to optimise our business outcomes as we continue our global expansion,” said TFE Hotels CEO, Antony Ritch.
Brisbane-based Hoolihan has spent 13 years at TFE to date and will work to enhance TFE’s revenue management practices and drive innovation. Ritch commended Hoolihan’s performance and growth with the company.
“The growth that has been reflected in Amanda’s innovative analytic adaptions has played a large part of the rapid recovery for TFE Hotels, post pandemic,” Ritch said. “And I’m pleased to see Amanda step up into a global role.”
Sydney-based Giurtalis has spent the last seven years at TFE Hotels, most recently leading the brand and digital transformation of the organisation. As Global Marketing Officer, she will be responsible for leading the global growth of TFE brands.
Shahnaz Bakhshay has led TFE’s sales division in ANZ since 2016. As Global Sales Officer, she will be focused on developing and implementing global (and local) sales strategies and driving cross pollination of client coverage.
“In her new global role, Shahnaz will ensure sales best practice is implemented across all teams and synergies in order to maximise business opportunities and streamline standardise systems and processes,” Ritch said.
“I am excited to see Shahnaz take on this challenge, particularly as markets are recovering and trends are emerging in global travel post pandemic.”
Supporting women in leadership
Ahead of International Women’s Day, the three women spoke about the importance of supporting female leadership and promoting gender equity in the workplace.
Speaking on gender equity, Hoolihan said it’s about ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities.
“At its heart, it’s about treating each person as an individual with unique needs or requirements regardless of how they identify,” she said.
“I think if we are intentional about thinking of each person in the business as an individual, then we organically will create a place where everyone thrives. Some people will always put themselves out there, others won’t. So, as leaders, we need to be advocates for our teams – regardless of age, gender, sex, or caste – and make their successes our successes, by focussing on their unique talents and drivers.”
Giurtalis said representation is critical and that positive role models can go a long way to paving a path for others.
“Representation matters – you can’t be what you can’t see,” she said.
“I firmly believe that women should have access to diverse and inclusive role models – of any gender – that will help them to broaden their aspirations and recognise their own potential. This could be done officially through mentoring programs, cross function collaboration, social activities, invitation to board meetings or more generally through articles like this that empower women.”
Bakhshay’s advice for women in the workplace is to work hard and dream big.
“As women, it is very important that we own our successes and that we are proud of our achievements, so my advice is dream big, work hard, be passionate and love what you do,” she said.
“Align with strong leaders who can mentor and cultivate your curiosity and grow your business acumen. Work with these leaders to challenge yourself and to gain the confidence to seize opportunities when they are presented, even if you feel it is out of your league.
“At the same time, be humble. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; learn from them; challenge the status quo and success will follow.”