Mark Burns to take the helm at Pullman Cairns International
New GM “entrusted” with delivering vision for high profile hotel
One of Australia’s most experienced hoteliers in the upscale space, Mark Burns has been appointed as General Manager of Accor’s Pullman Cairns International hotel.
Mr Burns needs no introduction to the local hotel scene, his vast experience as the former General Manager of the five-star Fullerton Hotel Sydney including the management of the hotel’s complete conversion and re-branding from The Westin Sydney in 2019.
Prior to that he enjoyed a 20-year tenure across several Australian properties with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, in addition to several overseas roles with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Indonesia and Hawaii.
Announcing his appointment, Accor Pacific CEO, Sarah Derry said the company was excited to welcome Mr Burns to the role.
“Mark’s experience in the five-star sector and talent for elegant, upscale makeovers make him the perfect person to take the helm at this crucial time,” she said.
“He has an incredible ability to reinvent a hotel in terms of service culture and food and beverage, and will undoubtedly lead the Pullman team to create a special guest experience.”
Mr Burns engagement comes as the 16th floor, 321-room Pullman moves into the final phase of a major refurbishment program which commenced in mid-2021.
Pullman Cairns International’s owners, Shakespeare Property Group, which also owns the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, have already made a significant investment in the hotel as part of its first phase of work, earlier this year completing a multi-million room rejuvenation journey that extended across eight floors.
This update introduced a contemporary new black and white colour palette and distinct Queensland architectural style to the hotel’s Superior Mountain View Rooms, Deluxe Harbour View Rooms and Deluxe Family Suite.
Shortly, the hotel will embark on phase two of its rejuvenation which will include a significant investment into its bar and restaurant offerings which see Mr Burns’ involvement with the reinvention of Pullman’s food and beverage venues.
Shakespeare Property Group Vice President – Hospitality Assets & Investments, Richard Saab, said Mr Burns had been entrusted with delivering on our vision for the Pullman.
“We are confident that under his direction, we can elevate the hotel to become Tropical North Queensland’s most distinguished destination to stay, indulge and dine.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
