Sydney, Australia – 19 July 2017 –
Marriott International announces its new Executive Leadership team for the Pacific region, who will oversee a portfolio of over 40 operating and pipeline hotels in Australia, New Zealand and The Pacific.
The introduction of new roles and reporting structures across operations, sales and distribution, development, marketing, finance, revenue strategy and human resources reflect Marriott International’s commitment to more than double its presence by 2020, with a target of 50 hotels for the region.
Based at Marriott International’s Sydney head office at Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, the team is led by Sean Hunt, area vice president Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
Reporting to Rajeev Menon, chief operating officer, Marriott International, APEC (Asia Pacific excluding Greater China), Hunt will oversee and drive the operations and financial performance of the property portfolio.
Marriott International’s growth has also seen the restructure of the sales and marketing team in the region. Ashley Hansen, previously regional director for sales & marketing and sales organisation in the Pacific, is promoted to area director of dales & distribution and will oversee Marriott International’s sales operation in the region.
Florencia Aimo has been promoted from director of digital marketing for Marriott Australia to area director of marketing. She is also tasked with the responsibility of delivering marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive brand preference.
Richard Crawford is appointed senior director, development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific. Previously development manager, acquisitions, for Mantra Group, Crawford has a strong background in commerce and tourism and will be integral to leading and expanding the company’s development plans in the Australia Pacific region, particularly in key markets where Marriott International is currently not represented.
He will be supported in Australia by Maria Verner, formerly with Starwood’s Pacific development and acquisitions team and recently promoted to manager, development, for Marriott International.
Currently, Marriott International operates 26 properties in the Pacific and will more than double its presence with 22 hotels in the pipeline.
It is on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper scale and luxury brands and properties across the Pacific region by 2020, with recent signings including W Brisbane, W Melbourne, Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, The Ritz-Carlton Perth, The Ritz-Carlton Auckland and The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.
“Our restructure and expanding portfolio of brands puts us in a strong position to exceed our growth strategy. This year will also see us introducing and expanding on our customer initiatives and benefits, including our thriving loyalty program, meeting and conference initiatives and brand campaigns,” said Hunt.