A departure from IHG’s local team
IHG Hotels and Resorts’ Leanne Harwood, currently senior vice president and managing director for IHG’s Japan, Australasia and Pacific (JAPAC) region, has been appointed to lead the hotel group’s luxury and lifestyle brands in the Americas, starting March 1.
She will become senior vice president and managing director of luxury and lifestyle for the Americas.
Since starting her current role in 2018, she has led record growth for IHG in the JAPAC region, with almost 160 IHG properties now either open or in the pipeline across her geographical remit. She has also champions diversity, equity and inclusion, women in leadership roles and ESG initiatives.
“Leanne has built a proven reputation among IHG and the broader industry as a trusted and strategic leader, and I have no doubt she is the right person to lead the next era of growth for our Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio – already one of the largest in the world – in the Americas region,” said Jolyon Bulley, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Americas CEO.
“From operations, commercial, and sales to food and beverage, her depth and breadth of experience is very well suited for this role.”
A promotion at Marriott International
Marriott International has promoted Krister Svensson to general manager of W Melbourne and multi property vice president, for Marriott’s luxury hotels in Australia.
He will oversee the other W properties in Australia as well as the growing number of hotels from The Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne opened last year after The Ritz-Carlton Perth heralded the return of the brand to Australia. A third Ritz-Carlton is planned for the Gold Coast.
Svensson moved over to W Melbourne from Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park where he was general manager.
The move to appoint Svensson to a dual role coincides with a focus for Marriott on the expansion of its luxury footprint in Asia Pacific.
“[We] have the utmost trust in [Svensson’s] ability to lead our team of associates at W Melbourne and across our Australian luxury portfolio,” said Sean Hunt, Marriott’s area vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
“Luxury hotels drive our highest profit margins and account for a significant portion of our group revenue, and as such are a major component of our expansion strategy.”
ICC Sydney elevates talent
ICC Sydney has promoted Michelle Zangari to senior manager of live events.
Since starting at the venue in 2016, Zangari has already been promoted twice and will now oversee a team of nine who handle operations, ticketing, booking, business development, partnerships and merchandise management for the 8,000-seat ICC Sydney Theatre and the 2,500-seat Darling Harbour Theatre.
“It is wonderful to be able to provide this opportunity for Michelle to step up and steer the team into the future,” said Malu Barrios, ICC Sydney’s director of event services.
“Michelle brings extensive industry experience and is passionate about the world of live events and the important role they play in uplifting and entertaining the community.
“Live events provide great economic and social benefits to our community. By delivering a broad range of engaging events, ICC Sydney’s live events team not only elevates patrons’ happiness and wellbeing, but also contributes to Sydney’s world-renowned reputation as an energised, desirable and vibrant events destination.
“Having Michelle lead her team to deliver entertainment events is an extremely positive development for ICC Sydney.”
