New CEO for Baillie Lodges
International tourism industry veteran Michael Crawford will become CEO of the luxury lodges business on May 19.
Crawford will bring over 30 years of experience to the Baillie Lodges, having spent almost 25 years working for Walt Disney World and the Walt Disney Company and over four years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Currently he sits on the boards of several hospitality and entertainment industry companies.
Crawford is also an author, having written a book about doing business in Asia, where he spent the majority of his career.
“I’m excited to join a talented team that is deeply passionate about – and uniquely capable of – creating life-affirming experiences for guests, rooted in a sense of place, cultural immersion and genuine connection,” said Crawford.
“I look forward to growing this platform, and I’m committed to delivering our guests one-of-a-kind experiences that we are uniquely positioned to create.”
Baillie Lodges owns and operates the likes of Longitude 131 at Uluru, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree.
Founded by Australians James and Hayley Baillie, Baillie Lodges was acquired by the US based KSL Capital Partners in 2019, allowing the business to expand internationally.
Gill Minervini to step down from Vivid Sydney
After four years at the helm of major winter festival Vivid Sydney, Gill Minervini has announced she will step down as the event’s director after this year’s festival, which runs just over three weeks through late May and early June.
On LinkedIn, Minervini called her decision to step back “difficult but exciting”.
“It’s been an exhilarating, challenging and rewarding ride and a huge honour to direct one of the world’s largest events,” she wrote.
“My Vivid dream was to reinvent the festival, building on the amazing work that had gone before me.
“The introduction of Vivid Food, bringing new incredible artists to the festival, more diverse voices and an expansion of our light, music and ideas programs are just some of the things I’m most proud of.”
Former Victorian minister to chair Crown Melbourne
Victoria’s former tourism minister, Martin Pakula, has been announced as the new chair for Crown Melbourne.
A former state Labor politician, Pakula was the tourism, sport and major events minister between December 2018 and June 2022. He was also the Victorian Attorney General for four years between 2014 and 2018.
“Martin’s appointment comes at an exciting time as Crown continues to focus on innovation and growth,” said Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai.
“I look forward to Crown benefiting from Martin’s extensive industry and leadership experience.”
Pakula will take over from current chair of Crown Melbourne, Ian Silk, on July 1. Silk has been in the role for two and a half years through a period of significant transformation for Crown.
Pakula is also the current chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
