Our Region’s Got Talent

Victoria Tasmania South Australia

May 2013

Nicole Finnsson – Front Office Manager – ibis Melbourne Glen WaverleyWhats your story?• I started working with Accor 13 years ago as a casual Porter at Novotel Glen Waverley, while I finished my

Bachelor of Business in Catering & Hotel Management.

• Over my 7+ years at Novotel I worked my way through various Front Office roles, including telephonist, receptionist, reception supervisor and Assistant Manager, which ignited my passion for customer service.

• As soon as it was announced that an Ibis was opening in the area I eagerly applied, as I wanted to be part of a pre-opening team and take on new challenges.

• My last 5 years at Ibis Glen Waverley have definitely been the most challenging and rewarding in my career so far. Being a Department Head in such a small team has allowed me to have roles and responsibilities that would be considered outside a ‘normal’ FOM role.  More recently taking Operational responsibility in the absence of the General Manager.

What’s your aspiration?• Next step – FOM or Rooms Divison Manager in a larger property in the CBD

• I would love to be involved in regional AELP (not currently mobile)

• My long, long term goal is to be owner/operator of a B&B with my husband (who is also a dedicated Accor employee of 10+ years)

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?I believe if you are happy you will live longer! I try to surround myself with happiness in my personal & professional life. I am not afraid to make fun of myself to make people smile.

Professionally I believe you get the most out of a team when they are happy and this in turn is passed onto our guests. I make it my personal goal to ensure I make every guest I encounter smile.

“I am not afraid to make fun of myself to make people smile.”

Antish Prayagsing – Assistant Food & Beverage Manager – Novotel Melbourne St KildaWhats your story? • 10 years in the industry

• Participated in the Accor Golden plate and representing Victoria in Sydney

• 2 years with Accor at Novotel Melbourne St Kilda

• GSA/F&B Attendant

• F&B Supervisor

• Assistant F&B Manager

My aspiration• Just been promoted into Assistant Food & Beverage Manager – May 2013

• Long term goal - Food & Beverage Manager

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest? I am a competitor, one of my favourite game is playing eight ball (Pool) & Snooker, I was a champ in my tender age back in Mauritius, representing my town which I was proud of, I still play competition from time to time over here

“fortunate to participate in Race to Survive…where you mingle with other Accor staff, where everyone is so helpful and cooperative… it’s all about the game”

Justin Jones – Sales Manager – Citigate Melbourne Whats your story? • I commenced my career in retail management, sales and marketing in 2001.

• Became a casual porter at The Sebel Playford Adelaide and progressed into front office management

• Opportunity to move into Sales allowed me to progress from Business Development to regional sales in Melbourne now heading up Sales at Citigate Melbourne.

What’s your aspiration?• Next step - Would ideally like to move into a Director of Sales and Marketing role for a high volume or

5 star property

• Long term goal - Aspire to use my skills in sales and knowledge of team management to become a General Manager of my own property.

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?As many may know, I am not afraid to put my front foot forward to engage with our many wonderful team members and clients! This can at times include dressing up in many weird, wacky and fun costumes, most recently sporting my lycra superhero costume as Wolverine! My biggest key to success has been driven around a few simple words “Have fun with serious intent!”

“I am not afraid to put my front foot forward to engage with our many wonderful team members and clients!”

Rhys Blight – Front Office Manager – Quay West Suites Melbourne Whats your story? • Completed my Apprenticeship and qualified as a Chef in 2001.

• Commenced with Mirvac in 2003 at The Sebel Suites St Kilda Road as part of the kitchen brigade as a Demi Chef.

• In 2003 made the transition from the Kitchen to Front Desk at The Sebel Lodge Yarra Valley as a Porter.

• In 2005 transferred to Quay West Suites Melbourne as Duty Manager and then promoted to Front Office Manager in 2006.

• 2010 – Relief General Manager at The Sebel Deep Blue Warrnambool.

• 2010 – General Manager secondment role at The Como Melbourne from December 2010 until August 2011.

• 2013 – Reached 10 years of service with the company.

What’s your aspiration?• Next step - General Manager of a small strata property

• Long term goal- National Customer Service Manager/ Service Trainer Accor Hospitality

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?I have a flair for interior design which has enabled me to assist in refurbishment of the hotel and designed one of the 3 bedroom apartments when it joined the hotel scheme.

“I have a flair for interior design which has enabled me to assist in refurbishment of the hotel”

Adam Roberts – Executive Chef – Grand Mercure Hobart Central Apartments & Mercure Hadleys Hobart Whats your story? • Began apprenticeship in 1999 on Norfolk Island where I grew up, during this I moved to Sydney where I

completed my apprentiship through Bayfield Hotels.

• Following completion of my apprentiship I worked in various resorts in the Whitsundays.

• Began with Accor at Sofitel Melbourne in June 2005 starting as a Demi Chef and working my way up to Senior Chef de Partie.

• Transferred to Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens as the Executive Chef in November 2009, during my time there I won best dinner for Accor Mercure, Grand Mercure and MGallery.

• In July 2012 began my role as Executive Chef at the Grand Mercure Hobart Central Apartments and Mercure Hadleys Hobart where I was principally responsible for the opening up of new concept restaurant Charcoal, redesign of the tired 1834 Restaurant menu offering and building a strong team in a difficult regional market.

What’s your aspiration?• My ideal next step in my career is to move onto a bigger multi outlet hotel within Accor.

• I am looking to do this overseas, preferably somewhere in Asia

• Long term I would like to be a group Executive Chef looking after multiple hotels either in Australia or overseas.

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?I strive to motivate my team to perform at their absolute best as well as teach them to find the fun in the job and do things a different way, whether it be by plating or in the completion of typical jobs. I build a family culture within the kitchen brigade and work just as hard on ensuring that I have strength throughout my team as well as that they have the technique and knowledge to execute the dishes I create.

“an Executive Chef is only as good as his worst team member”

Meagan Gate – Business Development Manager – Novotel Melbourne On CollinsWhats your story? • My story starts in January 2009 in New Zealand where I commenced my career with Accor. I was fresh

from University and fortunate to be accepted into the Graduate Management Trainee program (GMT). I took this internship as an opportunity to seek out my niche in the industry and soak up as much experience and knowledge as possible.

• During my GMT program I was given the opportunity to work with the Accor New Zealand head office team within the marketing department which is where I realised my passion for Sales & Marketing. In January 2010 I moved into the role of Sales Coordinator – Inbound and was guided by supportive and knowledgeable leaders.

• In June 2011 I made the decision to move to Australia with Accor for the role of Business Development Executive with Novotel Melbourne on Collins. I believe I have grown in leaps and bounds as a sales professional, and was recently promoted to the position of Business Development Manager.

What’s your aspiration?• Continue my career in Sales & Marketing

• My mid to long-term career goal is to move into a role at National Sales capacity and then eventually move into the role of Director of Sales & Marketing with a great hotel where I can build a fantastic team.

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?I took part in the Cure Kids $10 Challenge representing Accor New Zealand. Although we didn’t win it was so rewarding raising awareness and money for such a fantastic charity. In total we raised almost $12,000 for Cure Kids and we were both blown away by how life-changing the experience was.

“we raised almost $12,000 for Cure Kids and we were both blown away by how life-changing the experience was.”

Sam Jillett – Front Office Manager – Hotel Lindrum Melbourne Whats your story? • 2000 – 2004 – Langton’s Restaurant, New Zealand – Assistant Manager

• 2004 – 2007 – Quay West Resort Bunker Bay (Opening) – F&B Supervisor / GSA / Night Auditor / Assistant Manager

• 2007 – 2009 – Citigate Melbourne – Assistant Manager

• 2009 – now – Hotel Lindrum Melbourne – Front Office Manager

What’s your aspiration?• Next step - Rooms Division or Operations in Larger Property. Operations would be the preferred.

• Long Term - General Manager

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?I believe I have a great ability to read people & situations. What is not said can often tell you more than what is. In every role I feel the need to be the “go to” person & immerse my self into all facets to gain as much knowledge & experience as possible.

“What is not said can often tell you more than what is.”

Jayesh Bala – Rooms Division Manager – ibis MelbourneWhats your story? • Started with Accor in New Zealand in 2000 Front Office | Novotel Tainui Hamilton (whilst completing

Bachelor of Tourism – major Hospitality Management)  

• GMT | Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

• Reservations Sales Manager | Mercure Resort Queenstown

• Multi Hotel Revenue Manager| Novotel Tainui & ibis Tainui Hamilton & Member of opening team ibis Tainui Hamilton.

• Transferred to Australia in 2008 as Revenue Manager | Novotel Perth

• Acting Front Office Manager (2 months).

• Front Office & Revenue Manager | Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley

• Acting General Manager | Mercure Melbourne Caroline Springs (3 months).

• Acting General Manager | Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley (3 months).

• Rooms Division Manager | ibis Melbourne

• Responsible for hotel operations, reporting directly to Regional General Manager Vic/Tas/SA.

What’s your aspiration?• Next step - Hotel Manager, EAM, Resident Manager (Asia).

• General Manager – Regional Property / Regional Centre

• Australia, NZ, Fiji, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, India.

• Long term career - General Manager - large CBD property.

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?3000 people attended my wedding in India.

“3000 people attended my wedding in India.”

Sarah Ambrose – Food & Beverage Manager – Mercure Launceston Whats your story? • 2008 – Current, Mercure Launceston, began as a casual waitress & in 2009 started as full- time Supervisor,

then starting off 2012 began as Food & Beverage Manager.

• Highlights include: Increased beer sales resulted in me winning a trip to Bali in 2012 (through a Lion Nathan comp) with other F&B Manager in the VIC/TAS region

• Hotel Bar of the Year 2012 at the Accor Hotel Awards (MGallery, Grand Mercure & Mercure)

• 2009 – Current, Tasmanian Polytechnic, casual positions of Technical Assistant & Teacher for Hospitality Ops groups, which include school-based, mature & special needs students.

• 1998 – 2008 Overview: 10 years Administrative experience at a variety of levels, highest position held Administration Manager. 7 years experience within the Employment Services industry (admin-based role), in which I completed Cert IV Business Admin.

What’s your aspiration?My hope is to stay within this type of role and further develop new skills, implement/trial new ideas and work closely with my team to create (and maintain) an exemplary department.

My long term career goal is to stay within the Hospitality Industry (particularly Food & Beverage), as I greatly enjoy the style of work, type of working hours and the people interaction this role offers.

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?In 2011, travelled to 9 countries in which I was able to stay at Accor properties, in such places as France, Italy & Holland. Found this travel extremely beneficial for my personal development, as well as for my employment with Accor. Seeing how other properties around the world operated was very interesting and gave me a good perspective on how we do things back in Australia.

“In 2011, travelled to 9 countries in which I was able to stay at Accor properties”

Richard McArthur – Front Office Manager – Novotel Melbourne Glen WaverleyWhats your story? • I worked various F&B roles at Sofitel Melbourne whilst completing an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality

Management at Academy Sofitel

• Took an opportunity to do Night Audit to get a better understanding of FO before moving into Duty Manager and Bell Desk Manager roles at Sofitel Melbourne

• Travelled to London and continued with Accor as Night Manager at Novotel London Tower Bridge

• Returned to Melbourne after travelling and joined Accor again at Grand Hotel Melbourne as Senior Assistant Manager looking after FO and F&B

• Got first HOD role as FOM at Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens before coming to Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley as FOM

What’s your aspiration?• Next step - RDM or Operations Manager at a larger hotel. I would love for this to be in SE Asia

• Long term goal - GM of a large CBD property

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?Prior to joining the hospitality industry I was in training and working at Royal Melbourne Golf Club to become a Professional Golfer. One of the highlights of my time there included meeting Tiger Woods however the most memorable was playing a round of golf with musician Alice Cooper. Having led such a hectic lifestyle he was too weak to walk around so had to drive a cart. Surprisingly, he was much better than we expected and he beat myself and the two club professionals we were playing with.

“I Travelled to London and continued with Accor as Night Manager at Novotel London Tower Bridge”

Tony Pridham – Maintenance Manager – The Como Melbourne Whats your story?• Apprentice trained A-Grade electrician

• Electrician with HJB Group doing signage installations and service station maintenance for Mobil and Caltex

• Ran my own business for 4 years doing maintenance work.

• Project Supervisor with HJB Group doing service station maintenance, signage installation, local coucil projects, aged care facility projects

• Project Supervisor with Metric Group doing aged care projects, local council projects and Powercor depot maintenance

• Maintenance Manager with Como Hotel

What’s your aspiration?• Next step - To cement my place within the Como team and help make this the best hotel

in Melbourne

• Long term goal - To be as happy in my job in 10 years time as I am right now

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?• Volunteer work with the local Little Athletics club in my area for the last 3 years

• Just started helping coach junior soccer players

“I do volunteer work with the local Little Athletics club in my area for

the last 3 years”

Kirsten Mariager – Conference & Events Executive – Mercure Grosvenor Hotel AdelaideWhats your story?• Graduated University of SA in 2006 with a Bachelor in Tourism & Hospitality Management, and worked for

an Adelaide apartment company for 18 months in various roles including Reception, Reservations and Sales.

• GMT in August 2008, completed at Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide

• Group Reservations Supervisor for 15 Months

• In March 2011 secured current role as Conference & Events Executive

What’s your aspiration?• Next step – Join a conference sales team in a larger Accor property and benefit from an experienced and

dynamic Conference Sales Manager

• Long term goal – Conference Sales Manager in a large CBD property or booming regional/resort property

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?After working in many departments in the one hotel over five years, I think I’m considered a bit of a Mercure Grosvenor knowledge hub! I get asked a lot of general knowledge questions on a daily basis – usually it’s where to find something in the hotel, but can also be questions on old staff members, past events, reservations, regular clients etc! I find especially coming from my role in Reservations to Conference & Events extremely useful at times, and often draw back on the skills and knowledge developed in this role…….. and it’s lucky I have a good memory!

“I’m considered a bit of a Mercure Grosvenor knowledge hub!”

Keiron Brabender – Head Chef – The Sebel Launceston Whats your story? • Apprenticeship started in Regional Hospital

• 4 year apprenticeship small a la carte restaurant

• Worked around London

• Started as Sous Chef Mantra Deep Blue (Sebel )

• Head Chef The Sebel Launceston

What’s your aspiration?• Executive Chef (120 -150 room Hotel)

• F&B Manager

• General Manager

Something interesting about you which separates you from the rest?• I have swam with Grey Nurse sharks and I’m now planning on a cage-less dive with Great Whites!

• Also went backpacking around Europe with a 1 year old

“I Have swam with Grey Nurse sharks and I’m now planning on a cage-less dive with Great Whites! ”