L-R Tony Bargwanna and Leon Alaban
L-R Tony Bargwanna and Leon Alaban

Tony Bargwanna and Leon Alaban have been promoted to new senior roles at Savills Australia as the real estate company prepares for the rebound in hotel transactions.

The duo, who together bring more than 35 years’ experience in hotel sales, ranging from billion dollar deals to local, family-run pubs, have taken on roles as National Director – Hotels at the company, have transacted more than AUD$2.5 billion in asset transactions across their respective careers.

Savills Australia and New Zealand CEO, Paul Craig, said Tony and Leon set the benchmark in client satisfaction with their knowledge and insight into the national hotel sector.

“This is a strategic appointment from within, at a time when the hotels and pubs sector is being watched by the entire world,” he said.

W Melbourne was among the recent transactions negotiated by Savills Australia.

“Tony and Leon’s combined knowledge, experience and track record are unsurpassed. Their scope to reach the far corners of the country, alongside multi-billion dollar transactions is what makes this team unstoppable”.

Hotels among Savills’ semi-recent transaction list include the AUD$1.25 billion W Melbourne; Pearl Hotel portfolio in Sydney and Canberra and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour (the original deal with Dr Jerry Schwartz). The company also negotiated the management agreement for the property which will become the Crowne Plaza Adelaide, opening later this year.

“The industry has always remained resilient in the face of adversity and will therefore continue to be an attractive asset class for savvy investors” Craig added.