Jeff Huyben (left) makes way at Mercure Alice Spring for new GM Emma Todd (right).
Jeff Huyben (left) makes way at Mercure Alice Spring for new GM Emma Todd (right).

Highly respected Northern Territory hotel and tourism industry leader, Jeff Huyben, will depart his role as HM at Mercure Alice Springs Resort after 13 years, AccorHotels announced today.

In his place from 21 January will be Emma Todd, who moves across from Quest Palmerston, bringing with her 18 months as a Territory resident and over 20 years experience in the hotel industry. The resort is located around five minutes walk to the Alice Springs town centre.

Huyben departs his role having served for over a decade in the betterment of NT tourism and will remain on the Tourism Northern Territory Board of Commissioners. In his time, he has also served on the Board of Australian Regional Tourism and is a former Chair of Tourism Central Australia. He was also recognised in 2015 as Tourism Central Australia’s Industry Achiever.

Since AccorHotels assumed management control of the Mercure Alice Springs, Huyben also oversaw the rebrand and redevelopment of the 139-room resort in 2017. AccorHotels General Manager Franchise, Danesh Bamji says the change of leadership will be a new chapter for the property.

“Jeff led the team through a significant rebrand and redevelopment of the resort in 2017 and his passion and commitment will leave a lasting legacy for the local tourism industry and the community. We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Emma Todd to the helm and are confident she will add her own mark on the Alice Springs Community.”