W Brisbane welcomes new recruits
W Brisbane has made three appointments across the hotel’s managerial, food and beverage and spa teams.
Michael Clarke takes up the role of Hotel Manager, John Kennedy has been appointed Executive Chef, while Yumi Kwan has been named Spa Manager.
“We’re thrilled to welcome a new wave of internationally experienced senior talent to the hotel,” W Brisbane General Manager, Haldon Philp.
“I look forward to witnessing them lead and cultivate a motivated and passionate team and continue to expand on our exceptional guest experiences.”
Clarke brings over 15 years’ experience to the role including as Hotel Manager at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas.
Kennedy’s previous role was Executive Chef at renowned 5-star resort qualia. He brings a wealth of national and international experience, having qualified as a chef in Dublin and trained throughout Las Vegas and in London with renowned chefs Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc.
Kwan has worked in the Spa and Beauty industry for over 21 years, with the last 15 years spent in Spa management. She brings global expertise to her new role including as Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong in which she earned numerous awards.
The Imperial Gold Coast makes two senior appointments
The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast has recruited hotelier Lisa Costello as Director of Sales and Marketing of the hotel, formerly known as Palazzo Versace.
Meanwhile, Josh Wilson has been promoted to Marketing and Communications Manager. He has previously held the role of Business Development Manager at the hotel.
Costello brings over 20 years of hotel management and business development experience to her new role at The Imperial.
Costello says she is looking forward to being a part of this new chapter.
“I’m overjoyed to be a part of the team. The Imperial Hotel has a grand legacy and is renowned for offering the highest standard of luxury and impeccable service,” said Costello.
The Imperial Gold Coast General Manager, Richard Clarke, said she will bring a “fresh and dynamic energy to the company”.
“[Lisa] brings her expertise and dedication to personal service and the tourism industry as a whole [and] will play a significant role in enhancing the experience at our iconic resort,” he said.
Daydream Island Resort bolsters commercial team
Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef has added four new leaders to its commercial team.
David Janz takes up the role of General Manager Sales and Marketing; Tayla Scannell has been appointed Marketing Manager; Sarah Halliday is the new Business Development Director MICE and Joseph Reaiche is Reservations Manager.
Leading the team, Janz brings experience from Starwood Hotels in both Australia and the UK where he worked his way through the ranks to become Global Account Director before joining W Bali as Director of Sales and Marketing.
On returning to Sydney, he joined IHG Hotels and Resorts at InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Double Bay.
“I am thrilled to be part of the new commercial team because we all share the same passion and drive to make Daydream Island one of the landmarks in the Whitsundays which we know it will be” he said.
Tayla Scannell’s previous roles including managing social media at InterContinental Double Bay and previously overseeing marketing activities for start-ups, e-commerce businesses and boutique brands.
Sarah Halliday will be focused on building MICE business for the property and implementing a business development strategy for the MICE market. She brings over a decade of event management, sales and business development experience.
After several years at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, where he worked his way up the ranks to Duty Manager, Joseph Reaiche is looking forward to learning about the operations of an island-based resort.
Outrigger announces two GMs
Outrigger Resorts and Hotels has announced two new general managers in its Hawaii division.
Kiana Beimes has been appointed General Manager of the Ohana Waikiki East by Outrigger while Ceci Hamao takes up the role of General Manager at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.
Beimes moves into the GM role following her appointment to Hotel Manager of the property earlier this year.
Prior to that, she was Area Director of Front Services for the property as well as Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. She was also Assistant Area Director for both hotels plus Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Front Office Manager at the Beachcomber. Her hospitality career began in 2013 as an intern at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
Hamao has been Resort Manager at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort since 2022. Before that, she was Area Director of Front Services for Outrigger’s six Waikīkī hotels.
She began her Outrigger career as Front Office Manager, joining from The Modern where she was Director of Front Services.
“Both Kiana and Ceci have demonstrated their dedication, leadership and exceptional vision in guiding their teams to success,” said The Americas Senior Vice President Hotel Operations, Mike Shaff.
“With extreme pleasure, I look forward to seeing them continue to excel in their new roles with Outrigger.”