Movers this week include a newly created role at Travel and Leisure, plus a key appointment ahead of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel’s opening, and more.
Travel and Leisure lands Tony Gothard
In a newly created role, Travel and Leisure has appointed Tony Gothard as Vice President, Commercial Partnerships & Marketing – International.
In the role, Gothard will spearhead the next phase of company growth by developing strategic partnerships and integrated marketing initiatives to unlock new revenue streams, enhance member value, and strengthen brand presence across the region, the group stated.
With regional expertise across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, Gothard brings a strong track record in navigating diverse markets, building high-value partnerships, and leading high-performing teams.
Gothard joins Travel and Leisure with more than two decades of experience in travel and tourism, where he held senior positions including most recently, Head of Global Procurement, Leisure at Flight Centre Travel Group and Chief Commercial Officer at Luxury Escapes.
Prior to this, he was Senior Director, Revenue, Sales and Marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – formerly Wyndham Hotel Group – where he supported rapid expansion and oversaw a portfolio of more than 100 hotels. At the time, Wyndham Hotel Group was part of Wyndham Worldwide, which later became Travel and Leisure Co. – making this new role a return to the business.
New Rooms Division Manager at Dorsett Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne has appointed Anthony Leung as Rooms Division Manager, bringing close to 15 years of international hospitality experience to the role.
Leung joins the team with a strong background in diverse markets, bringing experience across leading global hotel groups including Accor (Art Series and Mantra) and Quest Apartment Hotels. His breadth of experience spans front of office management, guest services and team leadership, perfectly positioning him to play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences at the property.
“I enjoy working in hotels because every day is different and there’s always an opportunity to create memorable experiences for guests. With my international hospitality experience across Switzerland, Hong Kong and Australia, along with experience working with global hotel groups, I really value the diversity of people we meet and the ability to make a positive impact on someone’s stay,” Leung said.
Mandarin Oriental Paris’s new General Manager arrives
Vincent Poulingue has been appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Paris, to coincide with the hotel’s property-wide transformation of its guestrooms, suites, public spaces, spa and dining destinations.
Taking the reins from 18 May, Poulingue will report to Philippe Kronberg, AVP Operations, and brings over two decades of international luxury hospitality leadership to the role. He joins from iconic Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, where he currently serves as General Manager.
His career spans globally recognised brands including Hyatt’s The Unbound Collection, InterContinental Hotels Group and Barrière Group. Having held senior leadership roles across France, Portugal, Switzerland and French Polynesia, he is widely recognised for his expertise in repositioning landmark properties, delivering operational excellence and guests’ delight.
“This announcement reflects our continued commitment to shaping the future of Mandarin Oriental, Paris as one of the city’s most distinctive addresses,” Mandarin Oriental Group Chief Executive, Laurent Kleitman said.
“Vincent brings a depth of experience in leading and repositioning exceptional hotels, and his vision aligns closely with our ambition to create Fans of the Exceptional, Every Day, Everywhere. This transformation programme represents a significant investment in the property, ensuring it continues to deliver exceptional experiences rooted in the spirit of Paris.”
New chef to helm Sunshine Coast’s newest venue
KPAT Hotels has appointed Executive Chef Marky Godbeer, formerly of Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel, to lead Sully’s Rooftop at the upcoming Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel ahead of its opening in April 2026.
Godbeer will oversee the culinary direction for Sully’s Rooftop, the hotel’s signature restaurant located on level 12 and designed to deliver modern Australian rooftop dining.
Godbeer brings extensive experience across international and Australian hospitality, having trained in a Michelin-starred restaurant in England before working as head chef on luxury yachts in the South Pacific. After relocating to Australia, he worked at Longitude 131° at Uluru and Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest, and most recently served as Executive Chef at Brisbane’s Calile Hotel, managing large-scale food and beverage operations.
Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT Hotels, said Godbeer’s background across luxury lodge and metropolitan hotel environments made him an ideal appointment.
“Marky brings a depth of culinary experience developed across some of Australia’s most respected hospitality destinations,” Wagner said.
“His approach to seasonal produce, team leadership and destination-driven dining aligns strongly with the vision we have for Sully’s Rooftop.”
Outrigger duo to strengthen commercial leadership
Outrigger Hospitality Group has appointed Daniel Lofton joins as Vice President of Hawai‘i Revenue Strategy, while Marissa Beauregard has been named Social Media Director.
The new hires are expected to reinforce the company’s commitment to brand growth across its Hawai‘i portfolio.
In the new role, Lofton will lead the strategic direction and execution of all revenue-related initiatives across Outrigger’s Hawai‘i hotel and condominium portfolio. He brings industry expertise from Duetto Research, where he served as a founding team member and key leader since 2016. As Senior Director of Hospitality Solutions, he partnered with hotels, casinos and resorts globally to enhance revenue performance through loyalty pricing, personalisation tools and advanced analytics.
Beauregard joins as Social Media Director, where she will lead the company’s end-to-end social media strategy. She will translate business and brand objectives into a scalable, data-driven roadmap, overseeing content planning, distribution, social care and external partners.
“These appointments represent an exciting step forward as we continue to invest in top talent and strengthen our commercial capabilities in Hawai‘i,” Outrigger Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Sean Dee said.