Crystalbrook Collection has welcomed Melissa Gruse to the business as its new Group Marketing Director.
Gruse brings over 20 years’ experience working for innovative brands across travel, entertainment, and financial services, including her most recent role as Chief Marketing Offer at Nano Digital Home Loans, and from her role as Senior Marketing Manager at Hamilton Island Enterprises.
Gruse also plays an important role in education, as a Marketing Lecturer at the International College of Management, Sydney.
“We are thrilled to have Melissa Gruse on board with us at Crystalbrook Collection,” said Crystalbrook Collection CEO Geoff York.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, alongside a true passion for progressing the sustainability focus of our business.
“As we continue to expand in Australia and abroad, Melissa’s extensive experience in marketing and developing high performance teams makes her the perfect fit as we reimagine new developments and continue to develop the Crystalbrook story”.
Gruse said she looks forward to working with a team that shares her values.
“Though a relatively young hospitality company, Crystalbrook Collection has developed a strong presence in the Australian hotel market,” she said.
“I’m excited to be part of a team that shares the same values, as we grow towards being a global leader in sustainable luxury travel.
“We’re passionate about celebrating what makes our hotels unique, elevating incredible local experiences, and showcasing how choosing luxury travel need not be at the cost of our planet.”
Elsewhere in the world of accommodation and travel marketing, Wyndham Destinations has announced the appointment of Marta Grutka as Director of PR and Communications Asia.
Based out of the company’s regional headquarters in Singapore, Grutka will oversee corporate communications including public relations, internal and external communications for the company.
“Marta has extensive experience as a global brand consultant, mentor and speaker who has generated sustainable growth and transformation for the businesses she has worked for,” said Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications, Michael Parsons.
“Marta’s international experience and senior leader advisory capability will benefit our business as we expand across Asia. We’re delighted to welcome Marta to the team.”
Grutka has worked as a global brand and business strategist and communications expert for more than 85 brands including Royal Caribbean, The Walt Disney Company, Danone and Alibaba Group.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in foreign languages (French and German) and mass communications, and a Master’s in International Relations from Boston University (Brussels). She has lived and worked in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, and Washington, DC.