IHG bolsters communications team
IHG Hotels and Resorts has made some key changes in its Global Corporate Affairs and Communications team in Australasia.
Chris Waite, who has served as Director of Communications – Japan, Australasia and Pacific since 2017, has been promoted to the role of Head of Corporate Affairs for IHG Japan, Australasia and Pacific (JAPAC), taking responsibility for elevating IHG’s public affairs approach across the region.
During his IHG career to date, Waite has helped build IHG’s profile during its biggest years of hotel signings and openings and founded key CSR partnerships.
“I’m exceptionally honoured to have played a role in building the profile of IHG and our industry over the past six years and I am even more excited by the opportunities ahead as we build our corporate affairs capability in JAPAC,” said Waite.
“I’m proud that our journey has always been grounded in the spirit of IHG’s purpose of True Hospitality for Good, which is something that’s incredibly important to me – from being a member of IHG’s DE&I council, to co-founding our Link initiative, taking on the role of Vice Chair of the Accommodation Associations’ Public Affairs and Communications Committee, and launching our Awesome Partnership with OzHarvest.”
IHG has also welcomed Angelique Dingle who has taken up the newly created role of Manager, Corporate Affairs, Japan, Australasia and Pacific (JAPAC), based in Sydney.
Dingle’s career has included positions at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Haymarket Media, Australian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Red Door Restaurant Group, NSW and Victorian State Governments, and the Sydney Opera House.
Her most recent role was as Media and Communications Manager at Global Infrastructure Hub, a not-for-profit organisation formed by the G20.
Waite and his expanded team will continue to work closely with IHG’s SVP Managing Director for JAPAC, Leanne Harwood.
“I am incredibly pleased for Chris and Angelique for their well-deserved appointments to our corporate affairs team,” Harwood said.
“Chris has been instrumental in driving IHG’s communications strategy in this region and has shown exceptional leadership during a critical period for IHG and through challenging times for the industry. I am confident that in his new role, Chris will continue to champion IHG’s corporate responsibility initiatives and further enhance our industry and public affairs presence.
“Angelique brings a wealth of experience to IHG and will be an exceptionally valuable addition to our team as we continue to elevate our group and support our hotels and owners in the region.”
Marriott appoints regional director of development
Marriott International has appointed Tristan Cooper to the newly created position of Director of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Based in Sydney, Cooper will report to Marriott’s Vice President of Hotel Development, Richard Crawford.
Marriott is expanding rapidly in the ANZP region and anticipates adding 100 hotels to the portfolio, roughly two per week, in 2023.
Crawford said the appointment will enable Marriott to focus on “strategic growth objectives that centre around transitioning existing hotels to the Marriott network, expanding [its] franchise footprint, and focusing on the select service segment”.
“In his four years with our business since joining the company in 2019, Cooper has led Marriott’s feasibility planning department in Australia holding a Bachelor of Property Economics with Honours from the University of Technology, Sydney,” he said.
“Tristan has proven himself to be a highly respected and talented executive. I couldn’t be more excited for Tristan to advance his career with this opportunity.”
Cooper said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Marriott and is delighted to be taking this next step with the business.
“It comes at a point in time when we are enjoying a record period of growth in Asia Pacific, having just opened our 1,000th hotel in the region,” he said.
“Beyond the numbers, the depth in brands and quality of hotels we have been both signing and opening is particularly exciting. Right now, we can say without challenge, that Marriott operates the most diverse, highest quality, and best performing hotels in the Asia Pacific region, with Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands being a key contributor to this. I very much look forward to working with Richard and contributing to the next phase of Marriott’s growth”.
Sudima Hotels makes two managerial appointments
Hind Management has made two key leadership appointments at Sudima Kaikōura and Sudima Rotorua.
Charmaine Carroll has been appointed to the role of Hotel Manager Kaiwhakahaere Matua at Sudima Kaikōura, effective June 12; while Sevyn Brown has been named Duty Manager at Sudima Rotorua.
Carroll has previously held a management position at the Scenic Matavai Resort and also previously spent 14 years specialising in food and beverage and conference management in the hotel industry.
“We are very pleased to welcome Charmaine to the group,’ said, Hind Management Chief People Officer, Phillipa Gimmillaro.
“She has extensive hotel management experience, and her food and beverage and event management expertise are ideal for the hospitality needs of the Kaikōura region. Charmaine understands the significance of the hotel relationship within the community.”
Carroll says Kaikōura will be a natural home for her.
“My true happy place is anything water-related, and I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by the beauty of Tangaroa [the god of the sea],” she said.
“I am excited to join the Sudima Hotels team. I have always loved the hospitality industry and thrived on the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. My experience has taught me the importance of creating memorable experiences for guests and fostering strong relationships with clients.”
Brown began working with Sudima in 2018 when she received the Ngati Whakaue Sudima Hotels Scholarship Programme, which supports passionate young Māori students to enter the hotel and hospitality industry.
Since receiving the scholarship, Brown has earned a Bachelor of Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management from Toi Ohomai and the New Zealand School of Tourism.
“We have been delighted by Sevyn’s progress as part of our team and welcome her to the position of Duty Manager,” said Gimmillaro.
“Sevyn has been with us for five years and is well equipped to take on this role, and as a team member she is highly valued by guests and staff alike. With talented people like Sevyn building their careers, our industry’s future is buoyant, and we are proud to have been able to support her journey so far.”
Brown described the past five years as “like a new awakening”.
“I have learned so much about both the industry and myself,” she said.
“The awhi and support from Sudima Hotels and HIND management has been amazing, and I can’t thank them enough for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to grow. They have always made me feel valued and were a great source of guidance during the time of concern the pandemic brought.”