L-R Krister Svensson, Gaurav Wattal, Kelvin Ramm, Romain Chanet, Brian Nathan
L-R Krister Svensson, Gaurav Wattal, Kelvin Ramm, Romain Chanet, Brian Nathan

Five new General Managers have been named to new lead posts at Marriott International hotels around Australia and the South Pacific.

Leading the shuffle is Krister Svensson, who has been named as the new GM at the recently-upgraded Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. Svensson, who will take over from 2 September 2019, bears an extensive resume in his 17 years with Marriott International, having held GM roles at Le Meridien Beirut, Westin Resort Guam, W Hong Kong, the St Regis Bangkok and most recently at W Singapore. He takes over from David Fraser, who oversaw the property’s transformation from the former Sheraton on the Park which included a grand opening gala in late 2018.

Heading south from Sydney to Melbourne, Gaurav Wattal has been promoted to General Manager at the Melbourne Marriott from his former post as Director of Operations at the Sydney Harbour Marriott. Like the aforementioned Fraser, Wattal led the Sydney property through a major renovation of its restaurants, bars and public spaces. He brings experience at a number of Marriott Group properties across his native India to his new role.

Making room for Wattal at the Melbourne Marriott is Kelvin Ramm, who has opted to return to his home state of Queensland to take up the role of General Manager at the Brisbane Marriott. Ramm, who has been with Marriott International in a variety of roles across Queensland and Victoria since 2001, takes over in the Queensland capital following renovations.

Over in the South Pacific, Romain Chanet will take charge of Le Meridien Noumea and Le Meridien Ile des Pins as Cluster General Manager. Another with nearly two decades of experience with Marriott, Chanet has worked with the Le Meridien brand in France, Indonesia, New Caledonia and the Seychelles since 2002.

Another new Cluster General Manager to take charge at multiple properties is Brian Nathan, who will now look after Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel and Bungalows and Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort. Having risen through the Food and Beverage ranks in both Australia and New Zealand, Nathan joins Marriott from the Langham Hospitality Group, where he recently held the role of Director of Finance at Cordis, Auckland.

Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, welcomed the five appointees to their new roles.

“Each new appointee brings with them extensive experience and passion for the hotel and hospitality industry, as they step into roles at some of our top-performing properties in the region. They will each play an integral role in supporting the ongoing success of these hotels and of Marriott International, as we continue to grow our presence in Australia and the Pacific.”