QT Newcastle welcomes new General Manager
Luke Roberts-Lalli has joined QT Newcastle as General Manager, taking the reins from Michael Stamboulidis who recently joined QT Auckland.
Roberts-Lalli brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, including at QT Gold Coast where he served as Executive Assistant Manager.
In 2023, he was selected for EVT’s Executive Leadership Accelerator, a program dedicated to shaping future leaders across the group. Shortly after, he stepped into his first General Manager role at Rydges Cronulla.
“Luke’s drive, creativity and people-first leadership style make him a natural fit for QT,” said QT Hotels and Resorts General Manager, David Sude.
“With deep experience across hotel operations, openings and food and beverage, he brings fresh perspective and momentum to QT Newcastle. I look forward to watching the hotel continue to evolve under his direction.”
Commenting on his appointment, Roberts-Lalli said, “QT has always felt like home”.
“We celebrate bold creativity and I’m honoured to lead QT Newcastle in a city that shares those same values,” he said.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Michael Stamboulidis and continuing his legacy as an active part of our local community.”
General Manager appointed at Crowne Plaza Geelong
John Dickson, a hotelier with over 20 years’ experience in managing hotels, has been appointed General Manager of Crowne Plaza Geelong.
The AU$120 million waterfront hotel is currently under construction, with Dickson’s appointment marking its first hire.
The 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong will be Geelong’s largest hotel and form part of Plenary Group’s AU$250 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct.
Dickson has previously serviced as General Manager of Novotel Geelong for three years and, prior to that, managed hotels in Melbourne, Sydney and Wellington.
“It’s an honour to be tasked with building a talented team of locals that can provide guests with the premium experience that Crowne Plaza is famous for around the world,” said Dickson.
“This is a marquee investment in Geelong, and I want to ensure we get it right – bringing in the best people to provide the best service to locals and visitors.”
Plenary Chief Investment Officer, Paul Crowe, claims the hotel will be the biggest and best in the region.
“The hotel and retail offerings throughout the precinct will include cafes and restaurants for locals and visitors to enjoy quality local food and beverages and a public sky bar with some of the best views in Geelong,” Crowe said.
“Our investment backs the future of Geelong as the beating heart of some of the greatest tourism attractions in Australia including world-class wine, produce, tourism attractions and major events coming out of Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road.
“We look forward to delivering a precinct that will strengthen and grow the tourism and major events industry in the region for decades to come.”
W Sydney appoints Director of Sales and Marketing
Paul Andarakis has joined W Sydney this month as Director of Sales and Marketing.
Andarakis brings over two decades of hospitality leadership experience and an in-depth knowledge of the Sydney market.
Joining from Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, he has held leadership roles at Hayman Island Resort, Crown Resorts Melbourne, Hamilton Island’s Qualia, and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
His appointment marks a return to Marriott International, having previously held the position of Director of Sales at Sydney Harbour Marriott and Account Director, Global Sales, at Marriott International.
Tasked with leading the hotel’s Sales and Marketing strategy, he will focus on driving awareness of the hotel’s signature experiences including BTWN restaurant, two-storey rooftop bar 29/30, Away Spa, and the hotel’s 588 rooms and suites.
“Paul’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for W Sydney as we continue to innovative and push boundaries in the luxury lifestyle space,” said W Sydney General Manager, Titus Rosier.
“His extensive experience, deep market insight, and passion for bold, forward-thinking strategies make him a powerful addition to our leadership team. With Paul at the helm of Sales and Marketing, we’re well positioned to elevate W Sydney’s distinctive luxury hospitality experience to international and local guests alike.”
Andarakis said he is thrilled to be joining W Sydney.
“This hotel is redefining luxury and lifestyle in Sydney, and I look forward to leading the charge in driving bold, creative strategies that match the W brand’s disruptive spirit,” he said.