New GM for W Sydney
Less than five months after opening, there’s been a leadership change at W Sydney.
Taking over the 585-room Marriott International property from its opening general manager Craig Seaward is Titus Rosier.
Rosier has spent over 18 years collectively with Marriott International and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, which was acquired by Marriott in 2016.
Before starting at the W Sydney early this year, Rosier has spent the last four and a half years overseeing Marriott hotels and resorts in Bali, including W Bali Seminyak and The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud. For the latter he won hotel opening of the year within Marriott’s portfolio.
“W has always stood out from other brands,” said Rosier.
“Channelling the vivid energy of the Harbour City, W Sydney has a unique charisma and spirit, and I can’t wait to be a part of creating its next chapter.”
W Sydney is the largest W hotel in the world and also features more than 1,300m2 of event space across eight rooms.
Rachael Harman swaps luxury properties in Melbourne
After just eight months at the helm of Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Rachael Harman has taken the reins at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, at the other end of Melbourne’s CBD.
For Harman, it’s a return to Marriott International, where she’s spent well over a decade, including time with Starwood Hotels and Resorts before it was acquired by Marriott.
Prior to the Melbourne Sofitel property, Harman oversaw Sofitel Adelaide for two and a half years, including during its pre-opening period.
Harman has also held GM roles at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa.
“We are thrilled to have Rachael return to Marriott International,” said Marriott’s area vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Sean Hunt.
“With her extensive international and domestic knowledge of the luxury hospitality landscape, Rachael is exceptionally well placed to take the helm of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, delivering guests the world-class experiences it is known for.”
The 257-key Ritz-Carlton Melbourne opened in March 2023 and offers 1,300m2 of event space over 10 rooms.
QT Hotels shuffles leadership in New Zealand
At QT Hotels in New Zealand, Jodi Brown is leaving behind the general manager role at QT Wellington to become GM of the 150-room QT Auckland, which opened in 2020.
It was a quick stop for Brown at QT Wellington – she joined the property in August last year. Brown has held previous roles as the GM of QT Sydney and Eos by SkyCity, the hotel which is part of the SkyCity Adelaide casino complex.
Taking Brown’s place at the helm of QT Wellington and the 97-room Museum Apartment Hotel, is Colin McClean, who joins QT with a wealth of hotel experience under his belt.
Coming to QT from Edgewater Wānaka Hotel, on the banks of New Zealand’s Lake Wānaka, McClean has accrued experience with Accor and SkyCity in New Zealand and has a collective total of more than 18 years working in hotels.
“As the market prepares for new heights across business and leisure, I’m excited to embark on this new chapter, both personally and for the hotel,” said McClean.
“With a keen eye for brand, I’m ready to lead with a unique ability to cultivate a thriving environment in line with the uniqueness of QT.”
New commercial director for Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Paul Andarakis has been appointed commercial director of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Andarakis has more than 20 years of experience in hotels, including with other brands in the Accor portfolio, such as Novotel, Grand Mercure and Ibis. He has also worked with the Sofitel brand previously.
“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour team,” said the property’s general manager, Greg Brady.
“With his knowledge of the sector and his understanding of the commercial and strategic needs of the business, he will tie together our sales, communications and marketing operations in a seamless unit”.
