Ovolo Hotels restructures marketing operations
Ovolo Hotels has announced a new marketing and communications structure that will see a number of leadership changes across the region.
Ovolo’s Group Director of Marketing Stephen Howard will relocate to Hong Kong to work alongside Founder and Executive Chairman, Girish Jhunjhnuwala, with a focus on future branding and group initiatives.
As previously reported by HM, Alexander Barnett has been appointed Marketing Communications Director for Australia. He will work in collaboration with Howard and alongside new Group Digital Marketing Manager, Kate Tulloch.
Tulloch’s experience in e-commerce and marketing has seen her working with global entertainment brands NBC Universal and Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Australia, including on two AHEDA awarded campaigns for Breaking Bad and Downton Abbey.
At a state level, Daisy Slade has been appointed Marketing and Communications Manager in Victoria, bringing local knowledge and experience from her time at Food and Drink Victoria; while Jarrod Meakins – who has spent an extensive period at Tourism and Events Queensland – takes up the role of Senior Marketing and Communications Executive in the sunshine state.
In addition, Taylor Knight has been appointed Marketing Communications Executive in New South Wales; and Aidee Medina has been promoted to Senior CRM and Digital Marketing Executive.
“Our new team and structure bring a wealth of hotel, hospitality, and tourism experience to Ovolo, and sets us up to showcase everything Ovolo has to offer,” said Howard.
“We look forward to continuing to build the brand across Australia and connecting with more travellers.”
Australian PR agency Reymond has been enlisted to manage communications for Ovolo’s Australian and New Zealand hotels, restaurants and bars in 2023.
“It’s tremendous to be working with Stephen again, he is an incredible operator,” said Reymond Founder and Director, Joanna Reymond-Burns.
“Ovolo Hotels is well aligned with our agency’s communications specialities and passions, with each hotel’s unique and striking design approach and the group’s ‘restaurants by restaurateurs’ philosophy.”
Ovolo Group has two brands in Australia, Ovolo Hotels and By Ovolo Collective, spanning seven hotels, and nine bars and restaurants.
Marriott announces APAC leadership appointments
Marriott International has made a number of appointments to its Asia Pacific (excluding China) leadership team.
“Asia Pacific remains a strategic market for the company, representing tremendous growth potential and exciting opportunities for the business,” said Marriott International. President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Rajeev Menon.
“I am confident that our new organisational structure positions us well for the next chapter of growth in the region.”
Christina Chan– has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China). During her 23-year career with Marriott, Chan has held critical leadership roles in Finance and Asset Management and Analysis. In this new role, she will oversee Finance Operations, Asset Management, Compliance and Owner Relations; while providing counsel for the Administrative Finance, Business Analysis, and Feasibility teams in the region.
Andrew Newmark has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China).
Newmark, who has spent more than 30 years with Marriott, will lead Human Resources in the region to ensure the business attracts and develops top talent at all levels.
John Toomey has been appointed Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China) after 27 years with the business. He will oversee the consumer strategy for the region including Brand Management, Marketing, Sales, Distribution, Revenue Management, Loyalty, Customer Experience, Digital and Communications.
Oriol Montal has been appointed Managing Director, Luxury, Asia Pacific (excluding China), bringing over 25 years’ industry experience. The company also appointed Karen Kim, a 30-year company veteran, as Vice President, Global Design, Asia Pacific (excluding China). She will lead the Global Design team and project management for the region and oversee new hotel openings and renovations of operating hotels.
InterContinental Sorrento names GM
InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula has announced Jason Burnett as its new General Manager.
Burnett joined the hotel in June 2023, bringing a wealth of experience as a hotel leader including 36 years with IHG Hotels and Resorts, having joined in 1987.
He has worked as a General Manager and Regional General Manager across various IHG brands in numerous markets including New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Thailand and Guam, as well as China, where he spent more than 12 years.
“I am excited to join the team at InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula and lead it into the next phase of its journey,” Burnett said.
“With stunning rooms, a world-class spa and exceptional dining, not to mention an unmatched location in the centre of Sorrento, it is already a favourite with visitors to the region and we look forward to giving visitors to this beautiful part of Victoria a taste of the InterContinental Life.”