Carl Forrest

Pan Pacific Melbourne welcomes new GM

Carl Forrest has been appointed to the position of Hotel Manager at Pan Pacific Melbourne.

An accomplished hospitality and tourism professional, Forrest brings over 24 years of experience, having held management roles for luxury hotel brands throughout Australia including the Yarra Valley Lodge, Lindenderry at Red Hill, Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel and three View Hotels in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

He joins from the Marnong Estate where he oversaw the successful growth of the brand, providing strategic oversight for the AU$60 million property and positioned Marnong Estate Wines as a leading producer in Melbourne’s north, earning multiple gold medals during his tenure.

“Pan Pacific Hotels Group is an incredible brand and this Melbourne property has always stood out to me,” said Forrest.

“They have some key brand pillars that really drew me to the property, like the Happy Sleeper program and a robust Food and Beverage offering, and I’m excited to continue elevating these within the market.

“It’s exciting to now be leading a hotel I’ve long admired and I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue delivering exceptional hospitality.”

As Hotel Manager, he will oversee the hotel pillar including on-site restaurant Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen and the hotel’s High Tea offerings, as well as maintain and elevate the property’s Pacific Club Lounge operations.

General Manager appointed at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Schwartz Family Company and Trilogy Hotels have announced Gunter Steib’s appointment to the General Manager role at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains.

Steib replaces Charlie Young who recently commenced the General Manager position at Pullman Sydney Penrith.

Gunter Steib

Experienced in overseeing hotels and resorts across regional and urban settings globally for the last 30 years, Gunter brings a strong track record in financial management, operational efficiency, and business development.

Gunter most recently served as Chief Executive Officer at Kirribilli Club and previously spent almost 10 years managing complex operations in the cruise industry, including General Manager roles with Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

“Known for a hands-on leadership style and warm approach to guests and staff, Gunter excels in building strong relationships with both teams and stakeholders,” a statement from the hotel read.

“We believe he is well-equipped to drive hotel success and support the established culture of collaboration and engagement.”

Outrigger Honua Kai Resort and Spa names General Manager

Outrigger Hospitality Group has welcomed Ryan Kelly as the new General Manager of Outrigger Honua Kai Resort and Spa.

Kelly, who brings over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, joins from The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, where he led the Rooms Division leadership team.

Previously he managed rooms division teams at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, overseeing front office, housekeeping and guest services operations.

Ryan Kelly

He will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations and management of Outrigger Honua Kai Resort and Spa’s rental program.

Ryan will also collaborate with the Honua Kai Community Association to ensure excellent property conditions and foster strong relationships with individual unit owners.

“His passion for hospitality, strategic leadership and commitment to authentic Hawaiian hospitality align with our mission to create unforgettable guest experiences and we look forward to seeing his impact at Outrigger Honua Kai Resort & Spa,” said Hawai‘i Vacation Condos by Outrigger Vice President, Carly Clement.