QT Auckland welcomes new General Manager
Michael Stamboulidis has taken up the role of General Manager of QT Auckland, joining from QT’s first-ever regional hotel, QT Newcastle, where he spent four years at the helm, including overseeing the build and grand opening.
Stamboulidis brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and since joining EVT in 2017, has held senior leadership roles across the QT portfolio, including General Manager at QT Sydney and Food and Beverage Director at QT Melbourne.
“Michael lives and breathes QT,” said QT Hotels and Resorts General Manager, David Sude.
“Personable and an empathetic leader, Michael fosters a collaborative culture and brand pride within the team.
“His passion for food and beverage will amplify QT Auckland’s standout reputation with signature hospitality offerings, Esther and Rooftop at QT.
“Michael brings a stellar reputation, high standards, and infectious positivity — he’s truly one of the industry’s leading hospitality personalities.”
Stamboulidis looks forward to making an impact at the hotel.
“QT Auckland has built an exceptional reputation for epitomising quirky-luxe in New Zealand hospitality and I’m looking forward to continuing that trajectory,” he said.
“Staying within the QT family feels like a natural next step. I’ve seen firsthand the creativity, heart, and dedication that goes into crafting those unexpected, unrequested moments of joy for our guests.
“Rich in cultural diversity and with a strong sense of community, I can’t wait to immerse myself in Auckland’s hospitality scene and bring a fresh perspective to the role.”
Lylo Auckland appoints new F&B leaders at Miss Lucy’s
Miss Lucy’s at Lylo Auckland has welcomed two new additions to its food and beverage team.
DeMoss Stumbo has joined as the new Senior Head Chef, while Kayla Teixeira takes up the role of Food and Beverage Manager.
Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Stumbo is a keen fisherman and enjoys cooking with bold Southern flavours.
“I’ve been a chef for more than a decade, and I still love every second of it,” Stumbo said.
“For me, it’s always been about sharing amazing food with even better people. Outside of the kitchen, I love to roam nature for the best fishing hole, drinking ice cold beer, and beating everyone at pool.
“I’ve always had an itch to travel, and I’m over the moon to bring my passions to Lylo Auckland.”
Kayla brings 10 years of hospitality experience from Palm Beach, Florida.
“I’ve been a beautician, bartender and now a mixologist,” said Teixeira.
“I have a passion for cooking, science, eating for health/medicine, and winning a good darts game!
“I’ve wanted to move to New Zealand since primary school. My Grandma Lucy (yes, really!) always encouraged me to go for it. So now I’m here, doing what Grandma Lucy would do, which is mixing great food and drinks with great people.”
LyLo Auckland and Miss Lucy’s General Manager, Sheldon Tawhai, said DeMoss and Kayla “know how to serve up the good stuff”.
“From hearty breakfasts to woodfired bites, washed down by top local brews, they’re here to make Miss Lucy’s your first pick for a feed, no matter the occasion,” she said.
Chairman appointed at ATEC
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has appointed Richard Doyle as its new Chairman, to serve a three-year term commencing later this year.
A long-standing ATEC board member and Deputy Chair, Doyle has previously worked as General Manager, Global Sales of SeaLink Marine and Tourism and recently moved his focus to independent industry consultation.
He brings a strong background in international marketing, strategic planning, sales leadership, and stakeholder engagement, with extensive tourism and trade networks across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the USA, UK, Europe, and Japan.
ATEC Board and members thanked outgoing Chairman, Denis Pierce, for his significant contribution and leadership over the last nine years.