Capella names SVP Sales and Marketing
Capella Hotel Group has appointed Ivy Kwan as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
In a career spanning over 30 years, Kwan has held leadership roles in award-winning hotels across Asia, including One&Only and Atlantis brands in the Asia-Pacific region, and a decade with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
Prior to joining Capella in April 2024, Kwan served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Business Development at Urban Resort Concepts (URC) since 2021; and previously spent seven years as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Asia Pacific, at Kerzner International.
“Ivy has proven herself to be an expert across various segments of sales and marketing, demonstrating strong expertise in brand management, marketing, public relations, communications, sales, revenue optimization, and distribution,” said Capella Hotel Group President, Cristiano Rinaldi.
“As Capella Hotel Group enters its next phase of growth, with key openings in exciting new destinations, we are confident in her ability to provide creative solutions that will heighten awareness and strengthen our brand equity in people’s minds and hearts.”
In her new role, Kwan will oversee the development and implementation of innovative commercial strategies and consolidate Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels and Resorts positioning within the luxury market.
“Capella Hotel Group stands as a paragon of luxury hospitality, offering unique and diverse experiences across its brands,” said Kwan.
“The group’s relentless pursuit of innovation in the hospitality sector is truly inspiring. I am committed to upholding its legacy of excellence by crafting innovative strategies to elevate the brand.
“Together with my exceptional colleagues, we look forward to building new organizational capabilities and implementing business transformation initiatives to future-proof the business. We aim to make a meaningful impact in the ultra-luxury hospitality market and enrich the communities we serve as we expand our presence in new destinations.”
New marketing director for Langham’s Sydney and Melbourne hotels
Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Jay Nikolin as Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications for The Langham, Melbourne, and The Langham, Sydney.
Over the past seven years, Nikolin has held marketing positions within luxury Melbourne hotels, including Hotel Lindrum by MGallery and The Sofitel on Collins, playing a pivotal role in elevating food and beverage offerings and cultivating notable partnerships, including with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jay Nikolin to our team,” said Langham’s Regional Vice President, Operations for Pacific and Managing Director of The Langham, Melbourne, Jeffrey van Vorsselen.
“His proven track record of driving results through innovative marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships perfectly aligns with our vision for The Langham brand and we are confident that his expertise will significantly contribute to the success of both The Langham, Melbourne and The Langham, Sydney.”
Reporting to Langham’s Director of Sales and Marketing and Regional Director of Marketing, Pacific, André Jacques, Nikolin will be focused on food and beverage promotions, catering (MICE, Weddings and Special Events), Rooms, Chuan Spa, Gift Vouchers, and maximising brand narratives for both hotels.
“I am honoured to join Langham Hospitality Group to drive and support the marketing and communication efforts at both the Melbourne and Sydney hotels,” said Nikolin.
“I look forward to upholding the exceptional standards of the Langham brand and am eager to introduce innovative marketing strategies to drive growth and enhance the guest experience.”
JLL New Zealand promotes Nick Thompson
JLL New Zealand has promoted Nick Thompson to the position of Executive Vice President, Hotels and Hospitality, after spending more than 17 years specialising in the hotel sector and transacting more than $430 million throughout his sales career.
Having began his property career as a valuer specialising in hotels, Thompson transitioned to brokerage in 2014.
“In Nick’s time with us at JLL, originally as a valuer and for the past five years as a hotel agent, he has transacted 12 major properties for a total sale price of almost $300 million, including the New Zealand-record Stamford Plaza sale in October 2022 for $170 million,” said JLL New Zealand Managing Director, Todd Lauchlan.
“Throughout his ten years specialising in the sector, Nick has transacted over $430 million in hotels all through the country and the South Pacific, from Auckland all the way down to Dunedin.
“Nick has unrivalled knowledge of the hotels and hospitality arena, and utilises his significant connections across Asia-Pacific to connect the right buyer with a vendor.”
JLL Australia and New Zealand, Managing Director, Hotels, Peter Harper, said Thompson’s client-centric approach as a key factor in his long-term success.
“Since Nick returned to JLL in May 2019, he has had a hand in some of the largest single-hotel sales across New Zealand,” said Harper.
“He has also transacted a significant portfolio for a vendor, the Mackenzie Country hotels in the South Island, promoting the scope and value-add opportunities abundant across those three properties.
“Nick works hard to understand the specific needs of his buyers and vendors and connects parties that are best placed to come to a mutually beneficial outcome. He’s hands-on and diligent, and his approach has borne fruit for more than 14 years.
“This promotion to Executive Vice President recognises Nick’s incredible work in the field for his clients.”