Dean Bagley

BWH Hotels hires Senior Business Development Executive

BWH Hotels Australasia has appointed Dean Bagley to the role of Senior Business Development Executive.

Bagley joins from Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, where he recently served as Franchise Development Manager, successfully expanding the brand’s portfolio and contributing to significant revenue growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dean to the team,” said BWH Hotels Australasia Managing Director, Rod Munro.

“His proven track record in business development and leadership will be key in driving our growth in the APAC region.”

Bagley brings nearly 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, spanning business development, product development, and B2B marketing.

At Kelsian Group, he played a key role in tourism product development – understanding customer needs and developing market-driven products.

“My first job out of school was in the passenger transport/touring industry, and I soon realised that tourism was an industry I related to,” said Bagley.

“I was given several opportunities to develop my skills in sales, marketing, and product development. My first real taste of tourism and hospitality came when I worked for the Northern Territory Tourist Commission, and from then, I knew this was the industry for me.”

At BWH Hotels, Bagley will focus on strengthening brand presence across the APAC market, expanding market share, and building a robust pipeline for BWH and WorldHotels’ brands.

“I love the thrill of chasing business leads and meeting new people,” Bagley said.

“I’m excited to join BWH Hotels and look forward to contributing to the growth of its brands across the region.”

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral welcomes GM

Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts has welcomed Charles Cowell as the new General Manager of its Southern Highlands Property, Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral.

Cowell brings over 20 years of experience in hospitality management including multiple General Manager positions in both Australia and the UK in the past 15 years.

Charles Powell

Cowell has spent the past eight years living and working in the Southern Highlands – working closely with the local community on various charity events during that time.  

“What I love about hospitality is that you get to be part of people’s lives and work together in unison to create a moment or achieve the unachievable,” said Cowell.

“Every day is different, and it keeps life fresh and energising. The sense of pride and satisfaction when you see a guest leave happy is truly a gift.

“We have a clear ambition to make Park Proxi a hotel of the locals. Not only will the hotel offer tourists the opportunity to explore this idyllic destination, but we also want to give the locals the opportunity to enjoy the hotel and the facilities.”

Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts CEO, Lee Richards, welcomed Cowell’s appointment.  

“We’re thrilled to have Charles take up the helm at Park Proxi and guide the hotel and the brand into a new exciting chapter,” Richards said.

“With a proven track record of excellence in the hospitality industry, he will bring a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the property.

“Charles’ leadership, passion for guest satisfaction, and commitment to fostering relationships with the local community will be the key drivers as we continue to elevate the guest experience at Park Proxi and strengthen our position as a premier destination in Bowral.”

John Pugliano

New chef for Pullman Sydney Penrith’s Marcel Bar

Pullman Sydney Penrith’s Marcel Bar and Bistro has appointed John Giovanni Pugliano as Executive Chef.

Pugliano brings over two decades of expertise in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens including Executive Chef roles at Langham’s Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong, Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort in Dubai and most recently Swissotel in Sydney.

His background in famous restaurants including the renowned Nobu London, has seen him cook for London’s top celebrities and some of the world’s most powerful people, including the former President of the UAE, H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

At Bar Marcel, he will blend global flavours with his rich Italian heritage for a refined modern European menu.

“Pasta e Basta,” he says, “is not just cooking, it’s a tradition.

“My family’s Sunday pasta dinners are a core part of who I am. I want every dish at Marcel’s to evoke that same feeling of comfort, connection, and authenticity.”

The menu will focus on local produce and sustainability, showcasing the talented local producers of Western Sydney.

Pulgliano will also be tasked with transforming the dining experience for conference and event guests at the Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC). Known for his interactive, live cooking stations and personalised chef experiences, he will elevate the catering offerings for corporate events with themed breakouts, and culinary-focused gatherings.

“Penrith is a growing hotspot and the Pullman Sydney Penrith is already establishing itself as a destination for foodies and staycationers alike,” he added.