Joseph Simmons, Hotel Indigo Melbourne

Hotel Indigo Melbourne appoints GM

Pro-invest Group has appointed Joseph Simmons to the role of General Manager of Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders ahead of its opening next month following an extensive $20million refurbishment.

“The Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders is poised to add a new dimension to this pocket of the CBD and we can’t wait to share the essence and intrigue of our Flinders Lane neighbourhood through the hotel’s design, art and guest experiences,” Simmons said.

Simmons has relocated to Melbourne from Brisbane, where he successfully opened Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre as Hotel Manager – to take up the position.

His previous hospitality experience extends across luxury and mid-scale brands including Sofitel and Four Points Sheraton in Brisbane and Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel.

“We’re thrilled to be working with IHG Hotels and Resorts to bring the Hotel Indigo brand to Melbourne, a city that provides the perfect backdrop for this creative lifestyle bran,” said Pro-invest Group Chief Operating Officer, Shantha de Silva.

“And now with Joseph appointed to helm the operations, we’re certain in achieving our vision for this to become one of Melbourne’s leading boutique hotels.”  

Joel Gordon

QT Canberra names new GM

Joel Gordon returns to EVT to take up the position of General Manager of QT Canberra

“I am ecstatic to rejoin the EVT portfolio, where I’ll have the privilege of working with such a unique brand like QT,” said Gordon.

“As I assume my leadership role, I am particularly excited about returning to Canberra. I am eager to leverage my understanding of the local market and guiding this exceptional group of individuals.”

Throughout his 20 years in the hospitality industry, Gordon’s career has taken him to five-star establishments including the Palazzo Versace and Sofitel Brisbane Central, starting as Assistant Manager.

He first joined EVT in 2008 as a Senior Duty Manager at Rydges South Bank Brisbane and went on to a General Manager position at Atura Hotels and Resorts. He has also served as Hotel General Manager for Doma Hotels, Canberra, and most recently as Regional General Manager for Crystalbrook Collection, Queensland.

QT Hotels and Resorts Group General Manager, Callum Kennedy, said “it’s a pleasure to welcome Joel to the QT family and back to EVT”.

“Joel’s deep extensive knowledge of the market is unrivalled, as is his genuine passion for providing exceptional guest experiences,” Kennedy said.

Novotel Sydney welcomes sales and marketing director

Novotel Sydney Darling Square has appointed Sarah Bacic as Director of Sales and Marketing.

Bacic will lead the sales, marketing and reservations teams for the hotel and its adjoining venue, Pumphouse Sydney.

“I am beyond excited to be starting this new venture with the Novotel Sydney Darling Square team,” she said.

Sarah Bacic

“Having worked at numerous Accor properties over the years, I am excited to help drive awareness of this unique hotel’s offering, from its superior Sydney location, to superior venue offering with Pumphouse Sydney and family-friendly personality.”

Bacic has over 18 years of experience in the hospitality sector under her belt, many of which have been spent in sales and marketing roles with Accor, including at Mercure Sydney and ibis Sydney World Square The Sebel Chatswood and The Sebel Manly Beach.

She also brings significant experience in the meetings, conferences and events space, having been Director of Sales and Business Events with Accor for a number of years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to the Novotel Sydney Darling Square team. With her breadth of experience in the hospitality industry and years spent with Accor, I know she is set to become an integral part of the property and its success,” said Novotel Sydney Darling Square General Manager, Nikki Little.

Wyndham Destinations appoints resort managers in Tasmania and Victoria

Emma Todd

Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific has named Emma Todd as the new Resort Manager for Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island, and Hammond Cardon will take her place as Resort Manager for Club Wyndham Seven Mile Beach.

Todd worked as Resort Manager at Club Wyndham Seven Mile Beach for over three years and is also Chief Activities Officer for the region, having helped introduce over 200 free activities across 23 properties to date.

“Emma’s contribution to Club Wyndham Seven Mile Beach and the broader customer experience in the South Pacific has been truly commendable,” said Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific Senior Vice President Operations, Warren Cullum.

Hammond Cardon

“We are excited to see how she will bring her brand of leadership and exceptional skills to Phillip Island.”

Cardon has over 25 years of experience in hospitality in Australia and New Zealand having recently worked with Accor as General Manager of Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, and previously working as General Manager for Vibe Hotel Hobart and General Manager for Jetpark Hotel Rotorua.

“We are delighted to welcome Hammond to our team. With his extensive local knowledge and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences, we are confident that Club Wyndham Seven Mile Beach is in great hands,” Cullum added.