Waldorf Astoria Sydney has tapped a leading marketer as it readies for launch, plus much more in this week’s round-up.
Patricia Higgins joins Waldorf Astoria Sydney
Patricia Higgins has been appointed Director of Marketing and Communications joining the opening team of Waldorf Astoria Sydney. A French-born marketing leader who has called Sydney home for a decade, she brings more than 15 years of experience across luxury hospitality, major events and destination marketing.
Before joining Hilton, Higgins led the marketing and communications strategy for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth through its $77 million transformation and relaunch. At Tennis Australia, she helped launch the ATP Cup, the World Cup of Tennis in Sydney. Her earlier career includes senior public sector roles in destination strategy, as well as leading national marketing and product strategy for Société Générale’s partnership with Universal Music in France.
Higgins said she is passionate about bringing brands and places to life through culture, partnerships and experiences that stay with people.
New GM at Holiday Inn Warwick Farm
David Janz joins Holiday Inn Warwick Farm
David Janz has been appointed General Manager of Holiday Inn Warwick Farm. Janz has relocated from Holiday Inn Frankfurt – Alte Oper, where he had been General Manager for the past two years. Prior to this, Janz held leadership roles at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, including Executive Assistant Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing.
New culinary direction at Pier One Sydney
Pier One Sydney Harbour has appointed Adrian Widders as Chef de Cuisine of Pier Bar and Dining.
With years of industry experience at both an international and local level, Widders joins the team to lead the culinary vision across Pier Bar and Dining as the venues embrace a fresh take on approachable, Mediterranean-inspired dining.
Adrian Widders joins Pier One
Widders began his culinary journey at Kingsleys Steakhouse in Woolloomooloo, where he completed his apprenticeship. He went on to spend six years at Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant in Gladesville, rising from second-year apprentice to Junior Sous Chef.
He later moved to London, where he gained valuable international experience working across acclaimed wine bars, luxury restaurant groups, and exclusive private members’ clubs.
Returning to Sydney in 2020, Adrian continued to deepen his expertise in luxury hotel dining, holding the role of Sous Chef at The Langham Sydney and contributing to the opening team at Capella Sydney.
“My style is all about honest food – getting exceptional produce, cooking it well, and serving it fresh without overhandling it,” Widders said.
Naumi adds two
Naumi Hotels has appointed a new Area General Manager for New Zealand as well as a new General Manager for Naumi Hotel Singapore.
Akash Sood is named Area General Manager – New Zealand at Naumi Hotels
The group announced Akash Sood as Area General Manager – New Zealand, expanding his responsibilities across the group’s portfolio in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown.
Sood joined Naumi Hotels earlier this year as General Manager of Naumi Hotel Auckland Airport and will now oversee the group’s five New Zealand properties across three destinations.
His portfolio spans Naumi Airport Auckland Hotel, Naumi Hotel Wellington, Naumi Studio Wellington, as well as The Central Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter, and The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter.
In his new role, Sood will oversee the operations and performance of the New Zealand portfolio, working with teams across each property to support guest experience, operational standards and the continued development of the hotels.
Sood brings close to three decades of hospitality experience, with a career spanning hotel operations, rooms division and general management.
“I’m pleased to take on this broader role with Naumi and to work with our teams across Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown,” said Sood.
“Akash’s appointment reflects the continued development of our New Zealand portfolio,” said Paul Stocker, Group COO, Naumi Hotels. “His experience in the New Zealand market will be valuable as we continue to expand and strengthen the Naumi brand across the country.”
Meanwhile, the group also announced the appointment of Shue Sng as General Manager of Naumi Hotel Singapore, the group’s flagship property, bringing close to 20 years of hospitality experience across Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
In her new role, Sng will oversee the operations and performance of Naumi Hotel Singapore, with a focus on guest experience, team development and continued hotel performance.
Shue Sng joins Naumi Hotel Singapore
Sng brings broad experience across sales, commercial leadership and hotel operations, with a hands-on, people-focused approach to developing teams, driving performance and delivering memorable guest experiences.
“I’m delighted to join Naumi Hotel Singapore and to be part of a brand that places such a strong emphasis on individuality, design and personalised experiences,” Sng said.
“Sng’s appointment reflects the continued development of our Singapore portfolio,” said Paul Stocker, Group COO, Naumi Hotels.