New board member for TAA
Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW has welcomed Jane Lyons as a new board member.
Currently General Manager of Hyatt Regency Sydney, Lyons brings more than 25 years’ industry experience, having worked for various hotel management companies including Starwood in both Melbourne and Sydney, The Langham in London and New York and Hilton in Sydney.
“Jane has more than two decades experience in luxury and premium hotels and has worked across many different departments in cities across the world,” TAA NSW CEO, Michael Johnson, said in a statement.
“She currently manages the nation’s largest hotel, and her fresh voice will be welcome as we continue to recover from the toughest period for our industry in living memory.”
Originally from Melbourne, Lyons has experience worked across various hotel departments including front office, finance, rooms, operations and management.
Four Seasons Sydney welcomes new GM
Uday Rao has been appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Since started his career with Four Seasons in 1991 in Chicago, working as an overnight receptionist, Rao has held various positions within the business in Tokyo, Singapore, Dallas and the Maldives.
In 2006, he served as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai on opening, and recently managed both Four Seasons resorts in Bali.
“I have spent more than three decades years with Four Seasons in various parts of the world at various stages of my career,” Rao said.
“There’s no better place for me than Four Seasons. This is where I belong and feel the best fit with the company culture, the philosophy and the people. It’s home and in the blood.”
Rao will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the luxury 531-room city hotel as well as its restaurant and bar.
“I am excited to be part of the team in Sydney and immerse myself in the Australian culture,” Rao said.
“Embracing the city’s sophistication and the Hotel’s iconic location along the sparkling harbour and the buzzing CBD, we provide unique experiences that can only be found here in Sydney.”
QT Wellington appoints Chris Greening as GM
Chris Greening has been appointed General Manager of QT Wellington, joining from the group’s beachside resort in the sunshine state, QT Gold Coast.
Greening brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across a number of luxury properties including Crystalbrook Collection Albion, Hayman Island Resort and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley.
Greening, who commenced the role in April, said he is excited to lead “a talented team in a hotel with such a unique history”.
“I’m looking forward to watching such a cosmopolitan city come alive again as it reopens to international travel,” he said.
“We are gearing up for a great 2022 and beyond.”
Event Hospitality and Entertainment General Manager for New Zealand Operations, Simon White, welcomed Greening’s in-depth knowledge of the QT brand.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the General Manager position at QT Wellington,” White said.
“With his extensive experience in hotel management, I have no doubt he will be a fantastic leader and mentor for the team here.”
Ovolo names HK Director of Operations
Ovolo Hotels has announced Maël Vastine as the new Director of Operations in Hong Kong.
Bringing over 16 years of experience in hospitality, Vastine will be responsible for Hong Kong Operations and provide strategic direction for Shared Services in Hong Kong.
“Mael joins the Ovolo Group with a wealth of experience, during an exciting period of growth and opportunity for the group,” said Ovolo Hotels CEO Dave Baswal.
“As restrictions continue to ease across the city, we’re thrilled for Mael Vastine to lead our wonderful team of Shiny Happy People towards the recovery and revival of Hong Kong’s vibrant culture.”
Vastine commenced his career in hospitality at Accor Group in 2005 and has held positions such as COO, General Manager, Director of Operations, and Area General Manager at Accor Group and ONYX Hospitality Group.