InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef has announced a series of senior leadership appointments spanning general management, operations, food and beverage, housekeeping and human resources, as the resort enters what management describes as its next phase of growth.
New team spans core resort functions
Stewart Manson has been appointed general manager, bringing 16 years of experience across IHG properties in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia, most recently as general manager of Crowne Plaza Queenstown for six years. Kate Rodionova joins as director of operations after more than 15 years in luxury hospitality, moving from InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, where she was executive assistant manager of resort operations.
Grigory Rodionova has been appointed F&B manager, overseeing restaurants, bars, in-room dining and events with an international background spanning Europe, North America, the Maldives and Australia. Wayne Weller becomes executive housekeeper after a career spanning Qantas and The Star Gold Coast, where he served as chief concierge before joining Hayman. Chantel Schroeder leads human resources, bringing experience spanning luxury hospitality at sea and the Bowen Basin mining sector.
Appointments follow resort’s rebrand to Great Barrier Reef name
Stewart Manson said the new team’s combined expertise supports the resort’s ambitions. “With InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef embarking on this transformative new journey, I am thrilled to introduce a leadership group of such profound expertise,” Manson said.
The appointments follow the resort’s 2026 name change from InterContinental Hayman Island Resort to InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, reflecting its connection to the reef. The 182-room property reopened in 2019 following a $135 million refurbishment, and includes five restaurants and bars, more than 15 event venues and two swimming pools.
For agents and MICE planners selling Whitsundays product, the coordinated leadership refresh across all core departments signals a period of renewed operational focus at one of the region’s flagship luxury resorts, relevant for advisors monitoring service standards and event capacity ahead of future bookings.
