Accor appoints precinct GM at Sydney Olympic Park
Craig Kelmar is the new precinct general manager for Accor’s collection of hotels at Sydney Olympic Park, including a Pullman, a Novotel and an ibis.
It’s a return to the precinct for Kelmar, who worked as the assistant food and beverage manager for the Novotel and ibis properties at Sydney Olympic Park back in 2008.
Kelmar has been with Accor for over 23 years, working in hotels in both metropolitan and regional locations, right across Australia, including in Perth, Broome, Cairns and Melbourne.
“Having spent more than two decades growing with Accor, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to a new market, building on the strengths of the precinct and to deliver memorable experiences for our guests,” he said of his new Sydney role.
Beyond Accor’s hotels, the Sydney Olympic Park precinct offers significant, large-scale event space.
New commercial director for Pan Pacific Perth
The 488-room Pan Pacific Perth has appointed Scott Alderson as director of commercial.
Alderson moves over from Crown Perth where he was director of sales for the integrated resort’s hotels and event spaces for nine and a half years.
He has also previously held senior sales and marketing roles with IHG Hotels & Resorts and Mantra.
Alderson is also active in the broader visitor economy ecosystem – he is currently the chair of the WA branch for the Australian Tourism Export Council.
“Scott is one of Western Australia’s most respected commercial leaders, bringing not only an outstanding track record of delivering results, but also a genuine passion for developing people and building lasting client relationships,” said Pan Pacific Perth’s general manager, Rens Breur.
“As we continue our journey following the transformation of the hotel, Scott’s appointment marks another important milestone in strengthening our leadership team.
“Together, we have a clear ambition to position Pan Pacific Perth as Western Australia’s leading luxury hotel, recognised not only for delivering exceptional guest experiences, but also for setting the benchmark in commercial excellence, innovation and service.
“I have no doubt Scott’s leadership, industry relationships and collaborative approach will make a significant contribution as we continue to build on that vision.”
Pan Pacific Perth offers the largest inventory of event space of any hotel in Perth’s CBD, offering 2,500m2 across 18 spaces.
Meet Langham Hospitality Group’s new chief operating officer
Nils-Arne Schroeder has joined Langham Hospitality Group in Hong Kong as chief operating officer.
Schroeder came to Langham Hospitality Group from Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Dubai, where he was senior vice president of operations for Europe and Africa for both the Raffles and Fairmont brands.
Before that, he spent 24 years with Hilton. His last role with Hilton was vice president of luxury and lifestyle in the Asia Pacific.
Earlier in his career he also spent almost nine years with IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“As we expand to more destinations, Nils’ breadth of experience across regions, cultures and hotel segments will be a major asset,” said Langham Hospitality Group CEO, Bob van den Oord.
“He has a proven ability to respond to market needs without diluting brand identity and to turn that balance into sustained performance.”
Langham Hospitality Group is set to open a Langham in Bangkok in December with significant event space and has a property in Venice, Italy, in the works, also set to become a Langham.
