Sustainable hospitality operator, Crystalbrook Collection, has opted to make permanent the services of Geoff York as Chief Executive Officer following his time spent in the role in an acting capacity.
York, who also served recently as the company’s Group Director of Hotels, brings nearly four decades’ experience in hospitality, accommodation and tourism, having spent time with Accor, Event Hospitality and Hilton over his career to date. He is a founding executive of Crystalbrook Collection, having joined the company from its opening in Australia in 2017.
Following his time as Acting CEO, York succeeds Mark Davie following his departure from the organisation in the middle of 2019.
York’s immediate duties will be to continue the preparations for the brand’s AUD$1 billion investment and expansion program which includes upcoming hotel launches in Newcastle and the ongoing conversion of The Fantauzzo in Brisbane following its acquisition by Crystalbrook in 2020. He will also continue to source new opportunities for the brand to grow its portfolio of sustainable accommodation options in Australia.
Speaking of his appointment, York said he was eager to help the company continue its progress in becoming a thought leader on sustainable luxury hospitality in Australia.
“Travelling with a lighter environmental footprint must be at the forefront of everything we do. For Crystalbrook, this is all about empowering all our staff to think environmentally, acting smarter to create less waste such as the removal of plastics, embracing renewable resources, running paperless teams and working with local suppliers to reduce our carbon impact,” he said.
Crystalbrook Collection Owner, Ghassan Aboud, said York had built a strong management team for the operation in Australia.
“He has been instrumental in developing the brand and acquiring new hotels and he has successfully navigated Crystalbrook through one of the most challenging years for the industry, which has him perfectly positioned to continue our expansion across Australia and beyond.”