Brisbane Olympics head to depart
CEO of the organising committee for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, Cindy Hook, has chosen to leave the Olympic team following the end of contract next year.
Hook began as the inaugural CEO for the Games in 2023.
“During the past four years, I have achieved everything we had hoped for and had many amazing experiences along the way,” she said.
“As CEO, I am proud to have built the organisation from the ground up, set the Games vision and Games plan, designed and executed a clear strategy, created the brand narrative and launched incredible emblems, and driven early market momentum and commercial wins.
“The foundations for success have been well laid. This is the right time to hand over to a new CEO for the next phase.
“I know Brisbane 2032 will deliver a Games that all Australians will be proud of, and I have every confidence the team will continue what we have started with a new leader.”
President of Brisbane 2032, Andrew Liveris AO, praised Hook’s leadership.
“Cindy has been an exceptional leader whose passion, drive and strategic intellect has set Brisbane 2032 up for success for our years ahead,” said Liveris.
“Cindy commenced when the organising committee was a fledgling startup and has transformed Brisbane 2032 into a thriving organisation ready to go to the next level of Games execution.
“Her focus on values, organisational excellence and strict financial and governance processes are embedded throughout a high calibre team that she recruited and I thank her for her great contributions.”
The search for the Games’ next leader will begin immediately.
Meet Waldorf Astoria Sydney’s new commercial director
Mark Newey has been appointed commercial director for the luxury hotel set to open in Sydney’s Circular Quay next year.
He will lead Waldorf Astoria Sydney’s commercial strategy, positioning and demand generation work.
Newey has moved over from IHG Hotels and Resorts, where he was the area director of sales and marketing for InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.
“Waldorf Astoria Sydney will be a landmark opening for Hilton and for the city. Mark’s appointment is central to how we introduce the hotel to the world, build demand in key luxury markets and establish its place on the global stage,” said Waldorf Astoria Sydney’s general manager, Marlene Poynder.
“He brings proven commercial leadership, a strong understanding of luxury travellers and first-hand insight into Sydney’s evolving hotel landscape.
“I am delighted to welcome him to the team as we build towards an opening that will carry real significance for our city.”
Part of the Hilton family, Waldorf Astoria Sydney is set to have 179 rooms and 41 suites.
Shakespeare Property Group appoints business development manager
Gary Pearce has joined Shakespeare Property Group as portfolio business development manager, overseeing business development for a variety of hotels with significant business events offerings.
Shakespeare Property Group owns Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and the onsite Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, alongside the Pullman Cairns International, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Peppers Marysville and Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney.
The Novotel on the Sunshine Coast and the Pullman in Cairns in particular have large event space footprints – the 373-key Novotel can host conferences of up to 1,400, while the 324-room Pullman can accommodate meetings of 650.
Pearce previously spent 11 years in business events business development for Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to the team,” said Shakespeare Property Group’s general manager, Michael Daviss.
“Few people in the industry bring the depth of experience, industry relationships and commercial expertise that Gary has developed throughout his career. His background makes him ideally placed to support the continued success of our portfolio.”
