Former Mantra Group executive Richard Crawford has joined Marriott International as Senior Director of Development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Hong Kong-based Marriott International’s Asia Pacific Chief Development Officer, Paul Foskey said Crawford would be a major asset to the development team.
“Richard’s impressive background in commerce and tourism will be powerful assets as we expand the reach of our 30 brands,” he said.
“Marriott International already has more than 20 new-build hotels slated to open in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region, including a W Hotel and Westin in Brisbane, Ritz-Carltons in Perth, Melbourne, and Auckland, and two Four Points by Sheraton hotels in the Sydney market,” Foskey said.
Crawford was previously Development Manager – Acquisitions for the ASX listed Mantra Group Ltd, playing a key role in the company’s portfolio expansion.
Prior to that, Crawford co-founded Hobart’s internationally acclaimed Henry Jones Art Hotel and is a former co-owner of Thrifty Car Rental Tasmania and travel wholesaler, Tas Vacations. Outside these business interests, he has served as a Board Member of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, The Skills Institute, Fahan School for girls and Tennis Tasmania.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Marriott International at such an exciting time. Aside from being a business with a rich heritage and enviable profile, it’s clear that the union of the Marriott and Starwood portfolios represents a significant moment in time for the company,” he said.
“Like others in our industry, I have observed Marriott International’s advancement with great interest and I look forward to leading the company’s assertive development plans in the Australia Pacific region.
“My focus will be on securing footholds in key markets where we are currently not represented, expanding the presence of our core premium brands, and introducing exciting new hotel names to the region,” he said.
Crawford will be supported in Australia by Maria Verner, formerly with Starwood’s development feasibility team and recently promoted to the role of Manager, Development for Marriott International. Ms. Verner is also based in Sydney.
Marriott International’s development offering in Australia includes on-the-ground technical services personnel, supported by regional experts in all aspects of hotel planning and design.