Marriott International has recently appointed of a number of high-performing Associates into general manager roles across their growing portfolio of Australian properties. The appointments demonstrate Marriott's commitment to internal promotion and providing long-term career prospects for their employees.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of three new General Managers across a number of our top-performing hotels in Australia. A testament to the success of our talent and retention programs, the senior associates' careers with Marriott International have spanned several decades. The experienced and talented executives will lead three of our top-performing hotels in the Melbourne market.” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International.

“The portfolio of Marriott properties in Australia is continuing to grow, we started the year with the opening of the W Melbourne, followed by the Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank. We have another 12 hotels scheduled to open by the end of 2022, that will see our number of hotels rooms grow by 45%. Our focus on promoting top-performing Associates is key for Marriott to continue to grow and operate our award-winning portfolio of properties,” said Sean Hunt.

“I congratulate all the associates on their recent appointments and look forward to working with each of them as they play a vital role in the successful management of Marriott International's signature hotels in Australia,” continued Sean Hunt.

The appointments include:

Stephen Ferrigno – General Manager, The Westin Melbourne, from 1 July 2021

Chris Johns – General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands, from 1 July 2021

Harry Singh – General Manager, AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, from 19 July 2021

About the Associates:

Stephen Ferrigno – General Manager, The Westin Melbourne, effective

Stephen commenced his career in the hotel industry close to 30 years ago at Sheraton Southgate Melbourne. He worked his way through the Rooms Division, including tenures at some of the Pacific region's flagship properties including the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park and Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour. Stephen has held several General Manager positions including Four Points by Sheraton, Geelong and Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa. In 2016 he successfully opened the Four Points by Sheraton, Melbourne, Docklands. Stephen commenced at The Westin Melbourne on 1 July.

Chris Johns – General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands

Chris began his journey with Marriott in 1996 as Bar Manager at the Renaissance Sydney Hotel. In 2003, he embarked on several international postings including joining the pre-opening team of JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando Florida and the JW Marriott Starr Pass, Tuscon Arizona. Chris's career journey with Marriott continued and saw him move to Asia as Director of Food and Beverage at the Renaissance Seoul Hotel and then to Hong Kong and JW Marriott Bangkok. Chris's first General Manager position was held at the Courtyard Seoul Namdaemum Hotel, South Korea followed by General manager of the Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort. Chris returned to Australia and commenced as general manager at Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands on 1 July.

Harry Singh - AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank

Harry has recently completed 20 years' service with Marriott International. He commenced his career in 2001 as a Management Trainee at The Renaissance Mumbai Hotel. In 2005, Harry landed his first role in Australia at the Sydney Harbour Marriott and was then promoted to Operations Manager at Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde. A move to Melbourne Marriott as Director of Operations was followed by a return to Sydney to join the team at Pier One Sydney Harbour. Harry successfully launched the award-winning Element Melbourne Richmond in 2018. He commenced at the AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank on 19 July. “Marriott International is proud of our continued commitment to providing solid career progression for our associates. Talent retention and internal promotion, as well as our diversity and inclusion programs, mentoring and wellbeing are all key focus areas at Marriott International.” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International.

– Ends –

Media Contacts:

The Mint Partners on behalf of Marriott International:

Diane Glasson E : diane@themintpartners.com.au M : 0428 487 585

About Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,800 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts 

Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality's global leader in wellness for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand's Six Pillars of Well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.  At 225 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories guests can experience wellness offerings that include the brand's iconic and award-winning Heavenly Bed, a game-changing gear lending program, TRX fitness equipment in the signature WestinWORKOUT™ Fitness Studios, delicious and nutritious menu offerings, and more.  Stay connected to Westin on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott BonvoyÔ, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com. 

About Four Points by Sheraton

Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with 295 hotels in more than 45 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment—all around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand's Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online.

About AC Hotels by Marriott®

AC Hotels includes over 175 hotels in more than 25 countries and territories. At AC Hotels, every moment has been designed, refined, crafted, and considered to create a seamless guest experience. Each AC Hotel features purposefully designed signature spaces that strike the perfect balance of form and function. Most notably, the AC Lounge® invites guests and locals alike to collaborate during the day, or to enjoy signature cocktails and tapas in the evening. The AC Kitchen offers a European-inspired breakfast each morning. All AC guest rooms and public spaces evoke a particular sophistication, featuring sleek furnishings, curated artwork, and intuitive technology. The brand is dedicated to the details that matter most to guests during their travels with a mission to deliver The Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience. For more information, visit www.ac-hotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. AC Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.