Crystalbrook Collection announces new leadership appointments
One of Australia’s leading sustainable hospitality companies has announced new managerial appointments heading up the opening of a new luxury Newcastle accom offering.
Carl Taranto has been appointed the new general manager of Kingsley, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel which is set to open in the second quarter of 2021 and it will be Newcastle’s first five-star hotel. Lisa Brown will replace Carl at Bailey who joined Crystalbrook Collection in November 2019 as executive assistant manager for Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel.
Carl brings to the role a passion for the Crystalbrook brand, having started with the company in 2018, then being promoted to General Manager, Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel and Residence, in 2019, leading the hotel’s successful opening and first year of operation.
As General Manager of Kingsley, Taranto will lead a team of over 100 to set a new standard for luxury accommodation in Newcastle, Australia’s seventh largest city and the gateway to the Hunter Valley. His new role will commence 9 November 2020.
Speaking on his appointment, Carl said he is: “looking forward to taking the next step in my career with Crystalbrook. Following the success of Riley and Bailey, I am proud to introduce Crystalbrook Collection to Newcastle with a hotel that celebrates both the history of the city and what is to come; a fun, exciting and energetic approach to hospitality with an element of surprise and delight.”
Geoff York, Interim CEO and Director, Hotels at Crystalbrook Collection said: “Carl understands the Crystalbrook brand like few others do. The way in which he led the successful opening of Bailey, it’s celebration of the arts and responsible luxury, instils us with confidence in Carl’s strong management skills as we expand the brand into Newcastle.”
Replacing Carl at Bailey will be Lisa Brown. Lisa joined Crystalbrook Collection in November 2019 as Executive Assistant Manager for Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel. Lisa’s 15 years of experience across the Mantra and Accor group in Kingscliff and most recently in Port Douglas sets her in good shape to take on the role, managing 255 rooms and residences alongside signature restaurant CC’s Bar and Grill.
Joel Gordon, Area General Manager Cairns. “It is a challenging time for tourism in Cairns and we have utter confidence that Lisa will help reopen Bailey and re-establish the growing art program that sets the hotel apart.”
Speaking about her appointment as general manager at Bailey, Lisa said: “Joining Crystalbrook Collection has given me the opportunity to be a part of reinvigorating the hospitality sector in Far North Queensland. I love that, as a new hotel group, we’re able to be agile, to do things a little differently and ensure that sustainable luxury and remarkable guest experiences are at the core of what we do, every day. I’m excited to take the lead at Bailey and to work with our local artists to bring it’s thoughtful, arty personality to life.”
Kingsley is set to open in April 2021, Kingsley will bring a new level of luxury to Australia’s seventh largest city and the gateway to the Hunter Valley.
The hotel embraces Crystalbrook Collection’s approach to sustainability and Responsible Luxury making use of environmentally friendly, upcycled, recycled and locally sourced materials. The hotel has a plastic free policy (no plastic water bottles or straws) and, through the use of technology, has removed 90% of the hotel used by a typical five-star hotel.
The name Kingsley, is a tribute to Newcastle’s heritage and the city’s earlier name of Kingston, dating back to 1804. Ideally located opposite Civic Park, Kingsley is moments away from the City Hall, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery and War Memorial.
While championing Newcastle’s heritage, Kingsley is equally committed to contemporary luxuries with each room featuring an Apple iPad control centre, Staycast by Google for video streaming and access to hundreds of complimentary movies.
Crystalbrook Collection is one of Australia’s leading sustainable and innovative independent hospitality companies. Each hotel in the portfolio carries an authentic expression of its location, a passion for responsible luxury, considered design and a twinkle of fun for a uniquely enriching experience.
Crystalbrook Collection is an Australian tourism and hospitality group. Its portfolio includes:
- Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Cairns, Queensland
- Little Albion, a Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel, Sydney, New South Wales
- Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Byron Bay, New South Wales
- Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel and Residence, Cairns, Queensland
- Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Cairns, Queensland
- Kingsley, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Newcastle, New South Wales – opening April 2021
The Group also owns and operates a collection of ten restaurants, three spas, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas along with Crystalbrook Station and its subsidiary pastoral businesses.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
