Jessica Mellor named CEO of The Star Gold Coast
The Star Entertainment Group has promoted The Star Gold Coast Chief Operating Officer Jessica Mellor to the position of CEO at the Gold Coast operation.
The move is part of an organisational restructure that will see the creation of property-based Operational Business Units in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney, each of which will be led by a property-based CEO who will report directly to Group CEO and Managing Director, Robbie Cooke.
“I’m delighted Jess has accepted the CEO position at The Star Gold Coast,” said Cooke.
“Over the past four years, through some incredibly challenging times, Jess and the Gold Coast team have delivered a world-class tourism, entertainment and gaming destination.”
“The organisational changes being implemented are designed to simplify our structure and provide clearer operational accountability at each of our Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney properties. The new structure will provide greater responsibility and decision-making power at a property level while maintaining appropriate oversight from the Group level.”
Mellor joined The Star in 2019 and was The Star Gold Coast’s youngest and first female COO. Since then, she has been responsible for The Star Gold Coast’s luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, entertainment, events, gaming and resort facilities, and a team of more than 2,500.
“When I joined The Star in 2019, I was so grateful to be in a position to take on an amazing opportunity whilst also returning to my hometown,” said Mellor.
“This new role takes it to another level. For me the focus has always been on delivering amazing experiences for our guests and being part of the fabric of the Gold Coast community.
“There have been some testing times over the past four years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the agility required to keep adapting day to day. But the Gold Coast is resilient, it’s innovative, and there is an extraordinary future ahead of our city and The Star can be such a significant contributor to that.”
Mellor’s appointment is subject to regulatory approvals. The appointment of CEOs in Sydney and Brisbane is underway.
Mindil Beach Resort names new GM
Mindil Beach Casino Resort, one of the largest private-sector employers in Darwin and northern Australia, has welcomed Sean Knights as General Manager.
Knights brings more than 20 years of hospitality and gaming experience across Australia including at Crown Sydney, Crown Melbourne, Treasury Brisbane and the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth – now known as Crown Perth.
Most recently, Knights served as Executive General Manager – Gaming at Crown’s Sydney casino.
“I’m thrilled to be appointed to lead the team in what is an iconic Northern Territory and Australian tourism business,” said Knights.
“I am keen to ensure that Mindil Beach Casino Resort continues to be a respected local business with world-class facilities which is a major contributor to the Northern Territory economy as an important local employer.”
He will lead a 500-strong team at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, which is owned and operated by Delawere North.
“Sean has been appointed as the new General Manager of Mindil Beach Casino Resort based on his impressive track record, leadership, experience and demonstrated ability to effectively manage large teams and deliver strong outcomes for companies, customers and communities,” said Delaware North Managing Director – Australia/New Zealand, Gary Brown.
“Under Sean’s leadership, Delaware North looks forward to Mindil Beach Casino Resort continuing to be the Northern Territory’s ultimate entertainment destination, where the local community – as well as interstate and overseas visitors – can come together in a safe environment.”
Knights is relocated from Sydney for the role, and he will be based in Darwin full-time from November 1.
Four Seasons Sydney welcomes new Beverage Manager
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has appointed award-winning Food and Beverage professional, Sarath Nair, formerly of Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru and Copitas, as Beverage Manager.
As Beverage Manager, Nair will oversee management of the hotel’s lobby-based cocktail outlet Grain Bar, Mode Kitchen and Bar as well as The Cabana pool-side kiosk.
“It has been a dream of mine to explore Australia for around ten years, and I am very excited to join the team at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, and Grain Bar, to take a deep dive into the culture,” said Nair.
“Sydney has always been a vibrant city that attracts an array of international visitors and has become known for its world-class food and beverage scene, and I look forward to sharing my own experiences through Four Seasons hospitality and our magical touch points. I cannot wait to host guests at Grain Bar.”
Nair’s career with Four Seasons commenced in 2019 with his nomination as Bar Manager, pre-opening at Copitas – Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru’s cocktail lounge – where he helped the venue secure a number of impressive accolades during his four year tenure.
He is known for his experimental pairings of local flavours with classic cocktail profiles and mixology techniques and brings a strong business mindset.
Nair has also previously worked at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita where he was tasked with menu curation, training and resource management, and improving guest satisfaction.
Nair will relocate to Sydney, Australia from his native India to commence the role in November 2023.