Andaz Gold Coast unveils leadership team ahead of Australian debut

 

Opening later this year in the heart of Broadbeach, Andaz Gold Coast will introduce the Andaz brand’s distinctive approach to luxury hospitality to Australia for the first time, with an experience shaped by the people, culture, creativity and energy of the Gold Coast.

 

 

At the helm is award-winning hospitality executive Saraid Carey, who brings more than 22 years of leadership experience with Hyatt Hotels Corporation to her role as General Manager.

 

Saraid is a highly experienced Hyatt General Manager whose career has spanned Australia and Asia Pacific, from Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Bangkok and Koh Samui. Over the course of her career, she has held leadership roles across some of Hyatt’s most recognised brands, including Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place and now Andaz.

 

 

Recognised for her leadership within Hyatt, Saraid brings extensive experience in hotel openings, complex operations and building high-performing teams. Her breadth of experience across luxury and lifestyle hospitality, combined with a deep understanding of Hyatt’s culture and standards, positions her uniquely to lead the launch of Australia’s first Andaz. 

 

A passionate advocate for developing future hospitality leaders, Saraid has been named Australian General Manager of the Year at the HM Awards and previously served as Co-Chair of Women@Hyatt Asia Pacific and mentors emerging leaders through Hyatt’s Asia Pacific General Manager Development Programme. 

 

For Saraid, the opportunity to launch Andaz in Australia is as much about introducing the brand as it is opening a new hotel. Her vision is for Andaz Gold Coast to become a gateway to the destination, connecting guests with the people, places and experiences they might otherwise never discover.

 

 

“As Australia’s first Andaz, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase the Gold Coast in a completely different way. If people leave having discovered a side of the Gold Coast they hadn’t experienced before, then I think we’ve done what Andaz is here to do,” Saraid said.

 

Joining Saraid is Jane Strangman, Director of Sales & Marketing, an accomplished hospitality leader with more than three decades of experience spanning luxury hotels, resorts, travel and tourism.

 

 

Jane spent eight years as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast, where she led a multidisciplinary commercial team across sales, marketing, catering and revenue management. Her career has also included senior roles with The Westin Sydney, Sydney Marriott Hotel and Radisson Hotels Australia Asia Pacific.

 

Through her consultancy, Jane has advised some of the world’s leading hospitality groups, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, Shangri-La International Hotel Management, W Brisbane, W Sydney and The Ritz-Carlton Perth. Most recently, she led product innovation and strategic partnership development for Ignite Travel Group. 

 

At Andaz Gold Coast, Jane will lead the hotel’s commercial strategy, positioning and demand generation across leisure, corporate, groups and events as it enters the Australian market.

 

In addition, Stacey Plaine joins the team as Marketing Specialist, bringing more than 14 years of international experience shaping luxury and lifestyle hospitality brands across Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Maldives and Japan. Her career includes senior marketing roles with JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels and Mondrian Hotels, alongside strategic consultancy roles.

 

 

Stacey has been involved in the development and launch of more than 50 restaurant and bar brands and previously led marketing across a portfolio of 65 Marriott hotels and 9 brands across the UK and Europe. Stacey’s work has been recognised internationally, including Marriott International’s Global Elite Award for PR & Communications Leader of the Year and UK Restaurant Marketer & Innovation Award as well as the Queensland Hotels Association Award for Excellence for Best Marketed Hotel.

 

 

At Andaz Gold Coast, Stacey will lead the hotel’s brand and marketing expression, connecting it with the culture, experiences and communities shaping the Gold Coast today.

 

Steven Rhodes, Director of Food & Beverage, will oversee Andaz Gold Coast’s collection of restaurants, bars and social spaces, including Nove Restaurant & Bar, Vista Lounge, Verde Bar and the Andaz Pool Club.

 

 

Bringing extensive hospitality and food and beverage experience from senior leadership roles with The Star Gold Coast, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Apollo Group at Howard Smith Wharves, and the acclaimed ARIA Restaurants in Brisbane and Sydney, Steven will lead the development of a dining and social experience designed to resonate as strongly with locals as it does with hotel guests. From relaxed mornings and shared lunches to sunset drinks, evening dining and memorable poolside moments, his vision will create a vibrant destination that evolves throughout the day.

 

Together, Saraid, Jane, Stacey and Steven bring extensive experience across luxury and lifestyle hotels, commercial strategy, brand development and food and beverage, with careers spanning Australia and international markets. As Andaz Gold Coast moves towards opening, the team will lead the introduction of the Andaz brand to Australia, shaping a hotel that reflects the individuality, culture and evolving character of the Gold Coast.

 

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