Having joined Crystalbrook two years ago as account director for strategic partnerships, Virginia Hamilton has been promoted to director of global sales. In her new role, she will oversee business development for all Crystalbrook properties in Australia, as well as helming strategic account development and growing Crystalbrook’s international market share.
Prior to joining Crystalbrook, Hamilton spent over a decade with Accor, in two separate stints, as well as working with Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Crystalbrook Collection has also promoted two more of its staff.
Sharon Cauldwell has become area director of sales for all of Crystalbrook’s Queensland properties, as well as Crystalbrook Byron in northern New South Wales. Cauldwell joined the hotel group in 2021, bringing with her decades of hotel experience. Since she joined Crystalbrook, she has already worked across several multi-property sales and distributions roles, covering Newcastle, Brisbane and Byron Bay.
Emily Pearl has also been promoted, stepping into the director of sales role at Crystalbrook Vincent in Brisbane. It’s a return to the property for Pearl who was its director of sales and marketing when it was The Fantauzzo, part of Accor’s Art Series portfolio. Pearl has been with Crystalbrook for more than five years and was previously with both Accor and IHG Hotels and Resorts for almost six years each.
Meanwhile, in recent months, Crystalbrook has welcomed four new recruits.
Cameron McKenzie has moved over from Langham Hospitality Group, after nearly a decade with the company, to become director of sales for Crystalbrook Sam in Adelaide.
The 196-key property is due to open in December, with several meeting spaces. Its largest space will have a maximum capacity of 112 for standing events, or 103 for conferences and 80 for banquets.
McKenzie has also held previous roles with Hyatt and Hilton.
Joining McKenzie at Crystalbrook Sam as director of marketing is Karyn Harte.
Harte came across from Lancemore Hotel Group where she was partnerships and collaborations manager. She has previously founded several marketing consultancy businesses and held other roles in the travel space in Australia and New Zealand.
A director of sales and a director of marketing have also been appointed for the new-build Crystalbrook Aurora, scheduled to open in the national capital next year.
Anita Biziak is Crystalbrook Aurora’s new director of sales, moving over from Doma Hotels, where she spent more than 13 years, also as a sales director. Prior to Doma Hotels, she pent 11 years with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.
Meanwhile, Kate Mason has been appointed the hotel’s director of marketing.
Mason has worked in marketing across a variety of businesses, including hotels, with Rydges, licensed clubs, property and recruitment, as well as gaining experience within a marketing agency environment.
“As Crystalbrook Collection continues to grow, investing in the right people and leadership is fundamental to our success,” said Crystalbrook Collection CEO, Geoff York.
“We’re proud to recognise the contributions of Virginia, Sharon and Emily, whose experience and commitment have helped shape the business we are today.
“With Crystalbrook Sam preparing to open in Adelaide and Crystalbrook Aurora to follow in Canberra, we’re also bringing exceptional industry talent into the group.
“Cameron, Karyn, Anita and Kate bring the valuable experience, market knowledge and relationships that will help establish these hotels and strengthen Crystalbrook’s presence in two important new markets.”
