New board and new direction for Accommodation Australia

The nation’s peak accommodation body has a new streamlined board and structure, representing each state and territory, following elections held in Sydney this week.

Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the 11-person board has two new members, including newly elected Treasurer Andrew Bullock (1834 Hotels) of South Australia and Tasmania’s Shelley Verdouw (RACV Hobart).

Respected Accommodation Australia Chair David Mansfield (The Ascott Limited) was re-elected, as was deputy chair Emma Hynes (IHG Hotels) from NSW.

“I congratulate all re-elected board members-especially David and Emma-and would like to welcome both Andrew and Shelley to the team,” Mr Goodwin said.

“This is a board that is strong on industry and governance experience, and I look forward to working with everyone to deliver against our new strategic plan to get the best possible outcomes for our members and the broader tourism sector.

“This new board is now made up of directors representing each state and territory meaning they will be able to provide first-hand accounts of the unique issues impacting our members in their jurisdiction while having shared, national goals.”

Chair David Mansfield says the newly confirmed Board comes at a crucial time for the Association and the industry.

“These changes successfully complete the transition and amalgamation period of the new organisation, and the first meeting of the new Board was straight down to business, approving a new strategic plan for the next three years,” Mr Mansfield said.

“Our direction is based on three pillars; evidence-based policy and advocacy, engaged members and strong governance, which will all work to achieve our vision, and be underpinned by our values.”

Mr Mansfield thanked the three outgoing board members, particularly former Treasurer Bruce Copland.

“Bruce has put in decades of service to the accommodation sector and I would like to thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of the industry,” Mr Mansfield said.

“A special dinner was held in Sydney to welcome the new Board and to acknowledge Bruce’s service. I was pleased to present him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his leadership to accommodation associations over the past two decades, as well as making a valuable contribution to the broader industry over his successful hotel career.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to out-going board members Julian Clark, who has stepped down from the board after many years’ service to our sector, and to Wayne Taranto. All three are champions of our industry.”

NSW Emma Hynes – IHG Hotels & Resorts
NSW Jason Nuell – Marriott
VIC David Mansfield – The Ascott Limited
VIC Adrian Williams – Accor, Pacific
QLD Barry Robinson – Travel+Leisure Co
QLD Geoff York – Crystalbrook Collection
WA Andrew Cairns – Crown Hotels & Resorts
SA Andrew Bullock – 1834 Hotels
TAS Shelley Verdouw – RACV Hobart
NT Paul Hutton – Hilton
ACT Joanna Carruthers – EVT