Pan Pacific Perth names two key leaders
Pan Pacific Perth has bolstered its leadership team with two key appointments.
Roger Baldwin has been promoted to Hotel Manager, effective October 1, and Šárka Nejedlá joins as Director of People and Culture.
Baldwin has played a pivotal role in transforming the hotel’s dining, conference, and events experiences, as Director of Food and Beverage. He brings a wealth of operational expertise, brand development experience from roles across Australia and Asia.
Joining from The Westin Perth, Nejedlá brings extensive HR leadership experience across Marriott International’s Perth and Brisbane portfolios. As a recipient of the General Manager’s Commendation Award, she is recognised for driving people-first strategies that foster engagement, development and performance.
These leaders join former Tourism Commissioner for Western Australia, Karen Priest, who was recently appointed Director of Commercial.
“These executive appointments signal an inspiring new chapter for Pan Pacific Perth, underscoring our commitment to excellence as we continue to enhance every aspect of the guest experience”, said Pan Pacific Perth General Manager, Rens Breur.
“Roger, Šárka, and Karen each bring exceptional leadership, depth of expertise and a shared passion that will propel our continued evolution as one of Australia’s foremost destinations for luxury, service and hospitality.”
Hind Management announces several leadership appointments
Hind Management, the company behind Sudima Hotels brand, has announced several key leadership appointments.
On October 6, Nicola Lynch commenced the new role of Chief Marketing Officer, bringing in-depth international and local senior leadership experience in brand, marketing, and communications across various industries, including financial services, telco, not for profit and start-ups.
Her previous leadership and management roles range from nib NZ – Health Insurance and Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ through to Spark NZ and Southern Cross Health Society.
“I’m looking forward to leading the marketing of an extraordinary portfolio of brands and enriching the 25-year Sudima Hotels sustainability story,” said Lynch.
“Sudima Hotels has grown into one of New Zealand’s most respected and iconic hospitality groups. I’m confident my passion for leading high-performing teams, driving innovation, and inspiring stakeholder engagement can build on this and make a marked difference.”
Chief Sustainability Officer Kanika Jhunjhnuwala has been promoted to the expanded role of Chief Strategy and Sustainable Growth Officer, Hind Management, integrating strategic planning, business transformation and ESG.
Jhunjhnuwala is responsible for the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Alliance Aotearoa (HSAA) Group, enabling hotels to participate in and collaborate on sustainability, and is a regular speaker on ESG at local and international industry events.
“Sustainability underpins Sudima Hotels’ business model and I’m excited to have this opportunity to step up, draw on my credentials, and make a difference at the forefront of the company’s strategic future direction,” she said.
“Our goal is to lead the way in regenerative hospitality and leave the world in a better position than when we started.”
Director of Workplace Experience, Christine Hurring, who has been with the company for six years, has been promoted to Director of People and Culture.
During her time at Hind Management, Hurring has embedded practices that foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and has been recognised as a finalist in the 2025 TIA awards under Employer of Choice.
“These leadership appointments build the group’s capability to manage high-performing hotel and hospitality businesses as our industry’s challenges and opportunities rapidly evolve,” said Sudima Hotels and Hind Management CEO of Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala.
“We welcome Nicola into the group’s pivotal CMO role and wish her every success. The group is also proud to promote Kanika into her expanded role to drive strategic priorities, and we wish to congratulate Christine on her promotion which is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership, passion, and commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do.”
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach welcomes new General Manager
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach has welcomed seasoned hotel executive Matt Andraws as General Manager.
Matt Andraws brings more than 25 years of international experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality, spanning operational strategy, commercial growth, and transformational leadership.
Most recently, he served as Hotel Manager at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, where he led a $20 million guestroom renovation and $2 million back-of-house upgrade, while steering the property to record financial performance and the highest Employee Engagement Score in the Pacific region.
“Matt’s appointment reflects our commitment to placing dynamic and forward-thinking leaders at the helm of our hotels,” said Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Vice President Operations Pacific, David Fraser.
“Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach holds an iconic position on the Gold Coast, combining French zest with Queensland’s coastal charm. With his proven record in delivering performance and his passion for people, Matt is perfectly positioned to guide the hotel into an exciting new era.”
Andrews is recognised for driving digital transformation across hotel operations, introducing AI-driven platforms to streamline efficiency and enhance guest experiences. In a previous role as Cluster General Manager for Wyndham Hotel Group internationally, he expanded a portfolio from three to 23 hotels, delivering consistent double-digit revenue growth through strategic commercial restructuring and innovation in food and beverage.
“It is an honour to join Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, a hotel that is both a destination in its own right and a symbol of the Gold Coast’s vibrant hospitality scene,” said Andraws.
“I am excited to work alongside the talented team to continue elevating the guest experience, drive commercial growth, and strengthen the hotel’s reputation as one of Queensland’s leading luxury resorts.”