Marlene Poynder has also returned to Hilton for her new role as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney.
“We are delighted to welcome Marlene back to Hilton and to Australia as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney,” said Paul Hutton, Hilton’s area vice president and head of Australasia.
“Marlene is a highly respected leader with an exceptional track record of guiding iconic luxury hotels in some of the world’s most competitive markets.
“As an Australian and with a deep connection to the Waldorf Astoria brand coupled with a strong understanding of this region, she is uniquely positioned to lead this landmark hotel as we prepare for Waldorf Astoria’s highly anticipated debut in Australia.”
Poynder has rejoined Hilton from The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, where she has been GM for more than four years.
She has a long history with Hilton, having led hotels under the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands in China and the United States.
She was also the general manager of the Park Hyatt Sydney between 2006 and 2009.
“Waldorf Astoria is a brand defined by legacy, elegance and a deep sense of place,” said Poynder.
“To be entrusted with introducing Waldorf Astoria Sydney is both an honour and a responsibility. I look forward to working with our partners and team members to create a hotel that feels distinctly Sydney, while remaining unmistakably Waldorf Astoria.”
She will take charge of Waldorf Astoria Sydney’s pre-opening strategy, select the hotel’s team and build the hotel’s culture ahead of the property’s opening in Circular Quay, now expected in 2027, something of a delay from the original projected opening in 2025.
