Pan Pacific Hotels Group reveals three appointments to its leadership team
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) which operates Pan Pacific Hotels and the PARKROYAL brands, has added three faces to its executive leadership team.
Craig Bond has moved from a senior vice president role into the chief operating officer position within the group, after rejoining the business in late 2023. Now based in Singapore, Bond spent more than 20 years of his career in Australia, including as the Oceania area general manager for PPHG between 2012 and 2016.
Celine Du has joined the hotel group as its chief commercial and marketing officer, following more than a decade with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where she rose to vice president of sales for Asia Pacific. She also has extensive experience with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.
And Kate Loh has returned to PPHG as head of development. She previously spent more than four and a half years as director of development for the group, between 2018 and 2023. She has also worked across Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International and Oakwood in development roles.
“As PPHG enters its next phase of growth, the strength of our leadership team is critical,” said PPHG CEO, Choe Peng Sum.
“These appointments reflect the depth and maturity of the leadership bench we have been deliberately building across the group.
“We advance our commitment to innovation, leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency, enable more personalised guest experiences and create a more connected, empowering environment for employees.”
There is significant event space at several PPHG properties around Australia, including at the Pan Pacific Perth and the PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport, while Pan Pacific Melbourne is located beside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, making it a prime five-star hotel for delegates attending events at the centre.
New GM for The Porter House Hotel Sydney
Obay Bahri is the new general manager of The Porter House Hotel Sydney, located on Castlereagh St in the CBD.
Bahri moves over from QT Sydney where he was the hotel manager. Prior to that, he held a number of hotel roles in the Middle East, primarily with hotels within the Kempinski family, including Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Emerald Palace Kempinski on Palm Jumeirah and Kempinski Hotel Muscat.
“The Porter House Hotel boasts extraordinary character and heritage,” said Bahri.
“I am proud to be entrusted with its stewardship, and excited to build on its remarkable legacy.
“My focus will be on delivering memorable experiences that reflect the soul of this historic building and the ethos of the MGallery brand.”
Alongside its 122 rooms, The Porter House Hotel has five floors of event spaces, restaurants and bars, in the heritage part of the property.
Kimpton Margot Sydney announces two leadership appointments
Kimpton Margot Sydney has a new general manager in Christina Grasso, who has moved over from The Star Entertainment Group, where she spent nearly seven years, most recently as general manager of hotels, events and guest experience. She has previously held roles at a variety of hotels around Sydney.
“Christina’s leadership strengths, strategic mindset and passion for creating connected, people focussed environments make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Mat Duff, EVT’s director of commercial and leader of Connect Hospitality, which has recently taken over management of the hotel.
“Her vision aligns strongly with the EVT Way – putting customers first and delivering experiences that escape the ordinary.”
Meanwhile, Tim Peterson has been appointed director of food and beverage for the hotel, bringing more than three decades of experience to his new role.
Peterson joined Kimpton from hospitality group The Point, where he spent time working for venues including The International and Shell House. Previously, he has also held positions with Lotus Dining Group and Trippas White Group.
“Tim’s creative energy, operational skill, and commitment to crafting distinctive food and beverage moments will play a key role in shaping the next evolution of our portfolio,” said EVT Hotels’ group general manager of F&B development, Dominic Rose.
“We are excited to see him elevate the Kimpton’s culinary identity and deliver offerings that resonate with both locals and travellers.”
Kimpton Margot Sydney has 172 rooms, three indoor event spaces and the largest rooftop bar in Sydney’s CBD, which can host events of up to 180 attendees.
