La Vie appoints Director of Asset Management & Acquisitions
La Vie Hotels and Resorts is welcoming Ruwani Weerasinghe as Director of Asset Management & Acquisitions.
Taking up the role on May 5, 2025, based in the Sydney office, Weerasinghe will play a key role in driving the group’s strategic asset initiatives and portfolio expansion across the region.
“Ruwani brings over a decade of experience in hospitality asset management and finance, having held senior roles at some of the industry’s most respected organisations,” La Vie said in a statement.
“Most recently, she served as Assistant Vice President of Asset Management at Frasers Hospitality, where she led operational strategy and performance since September 2023. Prior to that, she was a Senior Asset Manager at Pro-invest Group, overseeing a broad portfolio of hospitality assets and delivering sustained value to stakeholders.”
Weerasinghe will be responsible for overseeing Asset Management and Acquisitions, contributing to the continued growth of Leadwell Asset Management. Reporting to Marcus Hanna, she will also collaborate closely with Nicole Burg and CEO Jerry Xu on La Vie Hotels Development, Pacific.
“I’m excited to be part of the team at La Vie Hotels & Resorts and to work alongside an influential, forward-thinking leader like Jerry Xu,” said Weerasinghe.
“His vision for innovation, growth, and an owner-centric approach is redefining the hospitality landscape across Asia Pacific.
“With over a decade of experience in hospitality asset management and finance, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a diverse range of hospitality assets from luxury hotels to extended-stay residences—driving strong performance outcomes, enhancing asset value, and delivering sustained returns for owners.
“La Vie’s bold and dynamic approach to growth presents a unique opportunity to help shape the portfolio and contribute to its continued success across the region.”
GM named for Queen’s Wharf Residences
Minor Hotels has appointed Yun Bai as General Manager for the new Queen’s Wharf Residences, following almost eight years at Minor Hotels
At Minor Hotels, Bai most recently served as Cluster General Manager, Brisbane Central, and previously as Pre-opening Hotel Manager at Oaks Hotel Cairns, and Hotel Manager at Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte Suites, among others. Her hospitality career also includes six years at Stamford Hotels & Resorts.
In this new role, she will oversee operations, drive performance and set the strategic direction for this new upscale property.
“We are delighted to have Yun at the helm of Queen’s Wharf Residences,” said Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels.
“Yun has an impressive record leading hotels to success and creating exceptional guest experiences, and her commitment to innovation, performance culture and developing teams will be key to establishing this hotel as a pillar within our Brisbane portfolio.
“Brisbane is emerging as a gateway city for international travellers, especially as air connectivity continues to improve in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
“Queen’s Wharf is a world-class development which lifts the profile of the entire city and supports Brisbane’s vision to compete with other major destination cities, attracting tourists, residents, investors, businesses and major events.”
Commenting on her appointment, Bai said the hospitality industry has always been a part of her life.
“My mother has been in hospitality management for decades, so I literally grew up in this industry, and I love the way it never stands still,” she said.
“There is always a new trend to embrace and a new challenge to overcome, and that constant evolution keeps me motivated. I have been fortunate to work with some incredible leaders over the years, and I’ve learned by observing how they have navigated change, performed under pressure, and kept their teams inspired and engaged.
“I find creating memorable moments for guests incredibly rewarding, and I am honoured to lead the talented team at Queen’s Wharf Residences and to build a culture where excellence is recognised, voices are heard, and everyone feels supported to step into leadership roles. Mentorship is so important – it’s how we build the next generation of extraordinary hospitality professionals.”
New Chef at Four Seasons Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has welcomed Marco Putzolu as Chef de CuisineatMode Kitchen & Bar.
ushering in a new chapter for the elegant dining destination known for seasonal produce, refined technique, and warm hospitality.
“Originally from Sardinia, Putzolu brings more than 15 years of international experience, having trained in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens, including Castiglion del Bosco (Ferragamo family estate in Tuscany), Hotel Cala di Volpe on the Costa Smeralda, and the legendary Kulm Hotel St. Moritz,” Four Seasons Sydney said.
“Since relocating to Australia in 2015, he has worked at two of Sydney’s most acclaimed fine-dining venues, Ormeggio at The Spit and A’Mare at Crown Sydney, where he was part of the pre-opening team.”
Putzolu’s vision for Mode is to return to “a more personal, guest-focused style of service, where genuine care is felt at every table”, with a new menu now in development, featuring handmade pasta, dry-aged meats, sustainable sourced seagoof and a bite-size pre-dinner experience.
“I start with a vision, but often the dish evolves once I begin working with the ingredients,” he explains.
“That’s where the magic is, letting the produce guide the process. I’m not just another Italian chef coming in to cook pasta. We’re making real changes that will refresh and redefine what Mode is, from the menu to the energy of the room.
“True hospitality is about connection. I want Mode to be a place where guests are not only impressed by the food, but truly feel looked after,” says Chef Marco. “That means welcoming regulars by name, preparing something special just for them, and bringing the team into every interaction. We’re creating a culture of service that feels both elegant and deeply personal.”