La Vie Hotels & Resorts expands senior Australia team
A major component of its plans to build further on what already constitutes a rapid portfolio expansion across Australia and South East Asia, La Vie Hotels & Resorts has bolstered its senior team with three new and very experienced appointments.
Russell Cool has been appointed as Group Director of Operations – Australia, Shellia Chang as Group Director of Sales and Distribution, and Nelsy Zreik as Group Director of Finance – Australia.
La Vie Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Craig Bond said the company was thrilled to be welcoming the trio during a year that has and will continue to be one of huge growth.
“As we continue our rapid expansion across Australia and South East Asia, we have been strategically bolstering our team with talented hospitality and tourism professionals in key roles that will drive success and profitability for our owners,” he said.
“Russel, Shellia and Nelsy are excellent additions to our team and have already hit the ground running.”
With over 25 years of business experience across domestic and international markets, Mr Cool brings a wealth of experience to his new role with a strong focus on driving operational performance across the business.
Most recently, he held the position of Regional General Manager for Victoria and South Australia for Minor Hotels ANZ.
He also has had experience managing properties across both Australia and South East Asia, as Area General Manager for Onyx Hospitality Group in Sri Lanka as well as Langham Hospitality Group in Hong Kong and Beijing and The Langham Yangtze in Shanghai.
He has also held the role of Area General Manager for Stamford Hotels & Resorts in Adelaide.
Ms Chang’s new role as Group Director of Sales and Distribution sees her responsible for overseeing La Vie Hotels & Resorts’ new hotel openings and commercial teams.
Previously, she served as Cluster Director of Sales and Events with Accor, overseeing properties and venues including Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney and HYDE Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge.
She has also held the position of Director of Sales with Frasers Hospitality, Assistant Director of Sales with Marriott International and worked with other major industry names like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Hilton in new business roles.
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.
