COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
ACCOR, UPPER SOUTHEAST ASIA
JULY 2021 - PRESENT
In 2021, I assumed the position of Communications Director for Accor in Southeast Asia, overseeing a diverse portfolio of responsibilities. My primary focus was on implementing innovative strategies tailored to distinct business segments, including luxury, midscale, and economy, thereby ensuring the global and local relevance of our 16 brands and extensive network of 400 hotels spanning 12 countries.
During the challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively engaged in both internal and external communications pertaining to the ongoing crisis. I adeptly managed messaging for various sensitive issues, maintaining trust in our group's brands and fostering a positive public perception.
As the world gradually emerged from the pandemic, I spearheaded a series of impactful campaigns designed to inspire audiences in relevant domestic and international markets, encouraging them to embark on travel once again. Concurrently, I played a pivotal role in the successful launch of over 50 new Accor properties and resorts across the region, ensuring their seamless integration into the company's portfolio.
Furthermore, I provided continuous support to the executive leadership team, offering guidance for panel discussions, interviews, and other crucial media interactions, thereby significantly enhancing Accor's visibility and reputation.
In addition to my strategic responsibilities, I led a dedicated team of up to five professionals, overseeing their activities not only within Accor's corporate offices in Asia but also in collaboration with communications leaders at more than 300 hotels throughout the continent.
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ACCOR, UPPER SOUTHEAST & NORTHEAST ASIA AND THE MALDIVES
FEBRUARY 2019 - JUNE 2021
In 2019, I was relocated to Bangkok by Accor to assume the position of Communications Manager for the Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia region, encompassing a portfolio of 180 hotels. Initially, my responsibilities extended to nine countries within the region, including Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. This opportunity provided me with valuable expertise in corporate communications, public relations, and project management.
Operating from Accor's corporate office in Bangkok, I led a team of six professionals based in regional offices, while also providing guidance to 180 communications leaders situated at our hotels across Southeast Asia. My role encompassed diverse corporate communications assignments and PR projects for esteemed hotel brands such as Raffles, Sofitel, Pullman, Fairmont, and Novotel. Through frequent travel throughout the region, I developed an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges faced by hotel communications teams. In response, I implemented support mechanisms to enhance the group's capabilities and bolster public awareness.
My responsibilities included drafting press releases for news announcements, organizing media events, managing media inquiries, and issuing statements on behalf of the executive leadership team in the region. Additionally, I regularly facilitated press trips and coordinated executive interviews across the region to elevate public awareness for Accor and its esteemed hotel brands. I also played a pivotal role in orchestrating communication strategies during various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which I served as a member of Accor's Crisis Committee, providing round-the-clock support to our hotels.
Throughout my tenure, Accor underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of its new identity and loyalty program, ALL - Accor Live Limitless. During this transformative phase, I actively engaged in multiple communications projects aimed at captivating media attention and fostering awareness of the group's repositioning efforts.
Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10 000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore.
AREA MARKETING MANAGER
SOFITEL HOTELS & RESORTS, CAMBODIA
FEBRUARY 2017 - FEBRUARY 2019
In February 2017 I was offered an opportunity to oversee the marketing of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.
This role enabled me to grow my passion for marketing and communications within the luxury hotel segment. During my time as Area Marketing Manager, I implemented an aggressive strategy to ensure a stronger positioning of the two hotels against competition. I expanded the marketing division from two team members to six, allowing the hotels to greatly enhance marketing campaigns with in-house graphics, videography and digital capabilities.
During my time in Cambodia, the properties experienced record-growth, with the highest RevPar (revenue per available room) and food & beverage revenue ever achieved. I have built strong relationships with multiple media-outlets, focussing on various communications projects to enhance national and international awareness. I worked closely with our regional team in Bangkok to ensure brand compliance and manage the implementation of marketing projects at the properties. I also lead the planning and roll-out of marketing campaigns in print and digital mediums.
Sofitel is the only french luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, Fiji Islands or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”.
GUEST RELATIONS MANAGER
THE FARM AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS - A RELAIS & CHATEAUX PROPERTY
SEPTEMBER 2014 - AUGUST 2015
Following my graduation from Queenstown Resort College I was offered a Receptionist position at one of New Zealand's leading luxury lodges - The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. Within three months at Cape Kidnappers, the Managing Director offered me the position of Acting Duty Manager. This provided me with a fantastic opportunity to regularly oversee the lodge, enabling me to welcome guests and ensure their every need was met during their stay
I soon proved myself within this role, and in May 2015 I was promoted to Guest Relations Manager. This role required me to focus on three key areas - employee culture, guest experience and our relationship with the sanctuary situated on the property. I relished the opportunity and took on a number of projects such as a renewed focus on employee culture. This led to a stronger benefits programme being implemented, new standards of employee recognition, the introduction of employee documents about the company, and the creation of an internal on-boarding website to improve team member's knowledge about Cape Kidnappers and instil a sense of pride in the company.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is part of the renowned Relais & Chateaux network, and is internationally acclaimed by the likes of Condé Nast Traveller, Andrew Harper, The Daily Telegraph, Vogue and Tatler.
REFERENCE →
GUEST SERVICES ASSOCIATE
EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL
MAY 2014 - SEPTEMBER 2014
During my second year of study at Queenstown Resort College, I held a Guest Services Agent position at the iconic Eichardt's Private Hotel.
This boutique property allowed me to further broaden my experience within a luxury hotel setting. The position required me to carry out reservation, reception, and concierge tasks, as well as overseeing the guest experience at all times.
I soon proved myself within this position, and took on an acting role as assistant to the Guest Relations Manager. I worked on a number of key projects such as the redesigning of hotel compendiums, and improved front office systems such as pre-arrival emails and social networking.
Eichardt's Private Hotel is internationally recognised as one of the world's best boutique hotels by the likes of Tatler, The Times, and the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
REFERENCE →
CONCIERGE ASSISTANT
INTERCONTINENTAL WELLINGTON
JULY 2013 - APRIL 2014
During my time at Queenstown Resort College, I completed a nine month internship placement at Wellington’s InterContinental Hotel.
I was originally hired for a Porter position in July 2013 and steadily took on a number of Concierge tasks before becoming an Acting Concierge Supervisor. This role enabled me manage the Concierge operation and oversee the smooth running of group arrivals, diplomatic visits, and special events.
I was able to lead a number of key projects during my internship; such as the standardisation of different room categories, itinerary guides for different types of guests, and a Weekly Rooms Management Report to better the communication within the whole Hotel.
InterContinental is the world’s first international luxury travel hotel brand, with 210 hotels across the world. Each hotel is a destination in its own right with a distinctive style and ambience, from historic buildings to city landmarks and immersive resorts in every corner of the globe.
REFERENCE →
Operations experience
novotel queenstown | Mercure queenstown
JANUARY 2013 - JULY 2013
As part of my studies at Queenstown Resort College, I completed industry experience shifts at two AccorHotels properties in Queenstown.
This enabled me to gain experience within the Front Office, Food and Beverage, and Housekeeping operations, providing me with much insight into these departments. I received comprehensive training with the Property Management System 'Opera', and Point of Sale System 'Micros'. I was introduced to the brand values of AccorHotels and their development within the New Zealand market.
REFERENCE →
EVENT ASSOCIATE
ORTON TAILORED CUISINE
JANUARY 2011 - DECEMBER 2012
My passion for hospitality begun during my time at High School, when I held a casual position with Orton Tailored Cuisine in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
During my two years at the company I was able to assist at over 100 weddings, corporate events, concerts and functions around the region. As I begun to understand how events operated I was given more responsibilities such as supervising certain operations within the events. I became so passionate about the planning and execution processes, that I began to explore options to study international hospitality.