The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne names new GM
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne has welcomed seasoned hotelier Rachael Harman as the hotel’s new General Manager.
Harman brings over 20 years of industry experience to the role, having worked in senior management roles across luxury hotel brands in Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
“We are thrilled to have Rachael return to Marriott International,” said Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt.
“With her extensive international and domestic knowledge of the luxury hospitality landscape, Rachael is exceptionally well placed to take the helm of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, delivering guests the world-class experiences it is known for.”
Having grown up in a family that owned a wedding business in Adelaide, Harman was immersed in the hospitality industry from a young age. Her first role was at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, and she went on to build a career in Sales and Marketing in Melbourne and New Zealand. In 2010, she moved to Malaysia to join The Westin Kuala Lumpur, where she held various leadership roles before being appointed Hotel Manager. Her first General Manager role was at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu in 2016, followed by Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa in 2019. Returning to Australia in 2021, she was appointed General Manager of Sofitel Adelaide, and in 2023 she moved into her most recent role as the General Manager of Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
As the new General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, Harman will be responsible for enhancing the hotel’s operational and commercial performance.
Focused on training and development. Harman has participated in the Women In Leadership Ambassador program, supporting female employees to achieve their full potential through coaching, mentorship and networking. She also currently sits on the ICHM Academic Board, to support the future tourism and hospitality workforce.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is Australia’s leading luxury hotel, an iconic landmark for hospitality and exceptional service soaring 80 stories in the sky,” said Harman.
“I am honoured to be leading this talented team on their next chapter, enhancing operational and commercial performance whilst creating memories for each and every guest.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and indeed this industry bring together all of my passions; gastronomy and fine wine, design, travel, meeting new people every day and above all, success as a team.”
W Sydney welcomes new General Manager
W Sydney welcomes experienced hotelier Titus Rosier as the new General Manager of the hotel.
Having spent the last decade in leadership roles at key Marriott International properties, Rosier has received numerous accolades including Hotel Opening of the Year in 2020, the General Manager Award for Spirit to Serve our Communities in 2021 and most recently, 2023’s Stephen Garff Marriott Award of Excellence for Culture.
He will be responsible for directing the hotel’s day-to-day operations and will play a vital role in managing the operating strategy and performance of the hotel.
“W has always stood out from other brands,” said Rosier.
“That’s why I am honoured to step into my new role as General Manager of W Sydney, working alongside a dynamic team of talent to continue delivering exceptional Whatever/Whenever moments for guests. Channelling the vivid energy of the Harbour City, W Sydney has a unique charisma and spirit, and I can’t wait to be a part of creating its next chapter.”
Rosier began his hotel career in the Middle East where he held key commercial positions including Director of Sales at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, and Complex Director of Sales at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. In 2019, he moved to Indonesia as General Manager of The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali, overseeing its opening, before moving to his most recent role as General Manager of the legendary W Bali-Seminyak.
“With a fresh take on luxury, W Sydney has shaken up Sydney’s hotel scene and we are excited to welcome Titus with his depth of experience and global W culture, to lead the hotel on the next stage of its journey,” said Marriott International’s Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt.
Marriott appoints two leaders to Area Director positions
Long-time Marriott International associates Kelly Russell and Carsten Siebert have appointed to strategic leadership within the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific (ANZP) region.
Russell has been appointed Area Director, Sales and Distribution, while Siebert takes on the role of Senior Area Director of Operations.
With 10 years of experience in sales and leadership at Marriott behind her, including as Market Director – Sales and Distribution Victoria, responsible for 11 hotels, Russell has a proven track record of driving revenue growth.
In this new role, she will lead Marriott International’s cluster and hotel sales teams, spearhead sales strategies and cultivate relationships with key partners to maximise revenue.
Siebert, who has been with the company for over 25 years, has held numerous Operations and General Manager positions, including most recently Senior Director for Conversions in Asia Pacific excluding China.
As Senior Area Director of Operations, he will support the company’s 47 hotels and resorts in ANZP to deliver operational excellence.
Marriott International Area Vice President – ANZP, Sean Hunt, expressed his confidence in the team members amid a period of record growth.
“At the end of 2023 Marriott International achieved a milestone in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, adding over 60 properties and securing more than 80 deals,” Hunt said.
“This marked a record in signings and contributed approximately 18,000 rooms to our development pipeline. Here in ANZP the pipeline is strong with 20 properties in stages of development, and three imminent new openings in 2024.
“With Kelly and Carsten heading our strategic leadership in their respective fields of expertise, I am confident in the performance of our team, and am optimistic that the year ahead will further solidify our region’s performance as a leading travel destination.”
Jodi Brown joins QT Auckland
Award-winning hotelier Jodi Brown has taken up the General Manager position at QT Auckland, joining from QT Wellington and the Museum Apartment Hotel, where she served as General Manager.
Brown’s hospitality career has seen her lead a 12-month full-scale refurbishment and rebrand at Atura Hotel Albury, before holding leadership roles at QT Sydney, Eos by SkyCity Adelaide, and SkyCity Hospitality, overseeing conference and events as well as signature restaurants.
“As our flagship property in New Zealand, the team know how to bring the QT brand to life,” said Brown.
“With our people integral to delivering our signature ‘Unexpected and Unrequested’ experience, I look forward to fostering a high-performing team and taking the hotel to the next level.”
Colin McClean takes up the position of General Manager of QT Wellington, bringing more than 18 years’ experience in the country’s hotel industry, excelling in commercial strategy and operational acumen.
Under Colin’s leadership, his properties have received recognition for Best Marketed Establishment, Best Luxury Hotel and Best Hotel at NZ Hospitality Awards for Excellence.
Prior to joining EVT, McClean worked with global brands such as Accor and SkyCity, throughout New Zealand, with extensive hotel opening and hotel transformation experience.
“As the market prepares for new heights across business and leisure, I’m excited to embark on this new chapter, both personally and for the hotel,” said McClean.
“With a keen eye for brand, I’m ready to lead with a unique ability to cultivate a thriving environment in line with the uniqueness of QT.”
Outrigger flagship welcomes Resort Manager
Outrigger Resorts and Hotels’ flagship beachfront property Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has welcomed Tomo Hikichi to the position of Resort Manager.
Hikichi’s industry experience includes senior operations positions at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and Waikiki Edition as well as operations roles at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach and the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley.
Most recently, Hikichi served as Director Of Operations at ultra-luxury condo Waiea, in Kaka‘ako, and at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.
“I am delighted to welcome Tomo to our resort team. He has a wealth of experience in the luxury space, and we look forward to his leadership in elevating the brand to new heights,” said General Manager Markus Krebs.
A graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a bachelor’s degree in travel industry management, Hikichi is fluent in Japanese, Mandarin and Taiwanese.