New Chair for Crown
Crown Resorts Limited has announced John Borghetti AO as the new Chair of the integrated resort and entertainment group, following William McBeath’s decision to step back from the role.
Borghetti will commencre the role on July 1 and will remain Chair of Crown Sydney.
McBeath, who was appointed Chair in July 2022 following the acquisition of the business by Blackstone, will continue as an independent non-executive director of Crown Resorts Limited.
“As Chair, my priority was to lead the Board and support the executive leadership team to successfully deliver the extensive regulatory and cultural reform and remediation program for Crown Resorts and to achieve suitability,” McBeath said.
“I am proud that both Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney have retained their licences to operate during this time, and that the remediation work in Crown Perth is well progressed.
“Now is the appropriate time to appoint an Australian-based Chair who will continue Crown’s focus on transformation, regulatory compliance, and safe and sustainable future growth. I am delighted that John Borghetti will continue this critical work as Chair and lead the Crown Resorts Board in its strategic development of Crown’s businesses in Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia, working constructively with Government and regulators.”
A highly regarded director, Borghetti spent over 47 years’ experience in the aviation industry and brings extensive operational, leadership and governance experience.
He is currently a Director of Balmoral Pastoral Investments and a Member of O’Connell Street Associates and has previously served as a Director at Brisbane Airport Corporation, Alinta Energy, Coca-Cola Amatil, Energy Australia, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
“I look forward to continuing the transformation of Crown Resorts, ensuring the company exceeds the expectations of all its stakeholders, including Government, regulators, guests and team members,” Borghetti said.
“The Board’s priority remains on compliant, safe, and profitable operations while ensuring we position the business for future growth.”
Wyndham names new development lead
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has appointed Amit Sripathi as Chief Development Officer, replacing Chip Ohlsson, who departs in June.
“Amit’s deep experience in mergers and acquisitions and capital markets focused on the real estate and hospitality sectors at Deutsche Bank and RLJ Lodging are instrumental as we increase our focus on growing our midscale-and-above portfolio while reinforcing our leading position in the resilient select-service segments,” said Wyndham President and CEO, Geoff Ballotti.
“Since joining Wyndham, Amit has demonstrated a strategic approach to growth. He’s helped divest our owned and managed segments leading to a pure-play U.S. franchise business and worked with our sales teams across the country and around the world deploying over $250 million in development support for our owners. He hits the ground running, knowing what our franchise sales teams need to continue outperforming expectations.”
After a successful career, which began at Wyndham’s predecessor company, Hospitality Franchise Systems, Ohlsson will be leaving the company in June.
“From launching his sales career with us in 1993 to returning nearly ten years ago to lead our North America franchise sales teams, Chip has shown unwavering commitment to Wyndham and our franchisees,” said Ballotti.
“We are extremely grateful for his proven leadership and ability to attract, promote and develop a best-in-class sales team that consistently delivers, and we wish him all the best.”
Rosewood appoints MD of New Zealand properties
Rosewood Hotels and Resorts has named Stephane Massarini as Managing Director of New Zealand properties Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and Rosewood Matakauri.
Massarini, who has worked at Rosewood since 2021 as Resort Manager of Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth in the Caribbean’s French West Indies, brings years of experience as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry including as General Manager at IHG InterContinental Beppu and Spa in Japan, where he orchestrated the pre-opening of the first InterContinental resort from the ground up, and the first onsen resort in Japan for the group.
“With Stephane’s proven track record of exceptional leadership and his wealth of experience, Rosewood is thrilled to have him leading their three New Zealand properties,” the company said in a statement.
“In his new role, Stephane will oversee all Managing Director responsibilities of Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers and Rosewood Matakauri, curating exceptional guest experiences while preserving the unique native culture of these three iconic properties.”