Respected hotel industry leader David Mansfield has been appointed as the new Chair of the National Board of peak accommodation body, Accommodation Australia (AA).
Elected at a board meeting in Sydney on Tuesday, Mansfield – who is Managing Director of The Ascott Limited for Australia – replaces outgoing Leanne Harwood, who announced her resignation last month.
AA CEO Michael Johnson said Mansfield’s broad range of experience and will be a great asset to the Association.
“David has been an integral part of our board since we amalgamated last year and was Vice President of the Accommodation Association of Australia before that,” said Johnson.
“He brings more than 35 years’ experience to the table and is the perfect person to lead the board into the next phase.”
In Mansfield’s role at The Ascott Limited, he is responsible for overseeing Ascott’s managed operations throughout the country, which includes more than 170 hotels throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
He had previously held senior leadership roles with InterContinental Hotels Group and Hyatt International.
“Accommodation Australia has been around less than a year and it has already made a huge impact,” said Mansfield.
“I certainly have big shoes to fill as Leanne has done a fantastic job – particularly through amalgamation last year.”
“It’s a privilege to be chosen to lead this board into what looks set to be a huge year for our Association and our industry as a whole.”
IHG Hotels and Resorts Director of Operations, Australasia and Pacific, Emma Hynes, was also appointed to the National Board on Tuesday. Hynes also sits on the NSW State Advisory Committee.
“She will fill the vacant position left by Leanne Harwood and we look forward to working with her,” Johnson added.