This month has seen a number of new appointments in the travel industry, so we have wrapped them up in one place so you can get to know your new industry members.
Pullman Brisbane King George Square appoints new General Manager
Pullman Brisbane King George Square is thrilled to introduce their newly appointed General Manager, Dominic ‘Nic’ O’Donnell, to the team. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism fields worldwide, O’Donnell is renowned for driving innovation and leading transformative initiatives whilst fostering a culture of excellence and guest satisfaction.
Alongside his unparalleled experience and unwavering level of energy, drive and determination, O’Donnell looks forward to driving further positive change and growth for the hotel, whilst continuing to maintain its reputation as a leader within the hospitality industry.
Note: Lead Image
Hertz Asia Pacific (APAC) announces new Vice President
Hertz Asia Pacific (APAC) has announced the appointment of Damien Shaw as the company’s new Vice President – APAC. Damien has formally commenced in the role from 1 May 2025, succeeding Eoin MacNeill, who is stepping down after 13 years of dedicated service to the business.
Damien has spent the last five years as General Manager of Australia and New Zealand and will be responsible for driving the Hertz APAC business into its next phase of growth as VP – APAC. Damien has a record of performance excellence across key roles in the car rental industry and has held multiple leadership positions in fleet, franchise, and operations functions with Hertz over the last 12 years.
IHG Hotels & Resorts appoints GM of Hotel X in Brisbane.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Gerritse as the new General Manager of Hotel X, Fortitude Valley. Hotel X is Brisbane’s boldest luxury lifestyle hotel and the first Vignette Collection globally. Daniel brings over 15 years of luxury hospitality experience to the role, with a strong background in sales, marketing, and operational leadership across some of Australia’s most iconic hotel brands. Most recently, Daniel served as Director of Sales and Marketing at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, where he played a pivotal role in positioning the 251-room property as the leading luxury resort on the Gold Coast.
Windstar Cruises names new Managing Director, Global Commercial based in the UK
With an eye on expanding international business for its growing brand, Windstar Cruises announced today the appointment of Helen Beck to the new role of managing director, global commercial. Beck will be based in London. Helen brings many years of experience in the travel industry with 26 years spent in the cruise industry. Most recently, Beck was head of global sales excellence for Explora Journeys. Previous to that role, she was vice president of international sales and marketing at Crystal Cruises. Other roles include regional director for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity and Azamara; and international sales leisure manager at Millenium and Copthorne Hotels.
Virtuoso appoints Maria Beatriz Sajon as General Manager, Continental Europe
Virtuoso, the leading global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Beatriz (Bea) Sajon as general manager, Continental Europe, effective immediately. Sajon’s appointment reinforces Virtuoso’s commitment to investing in the growth of Continental Europe, as she brings a wealth of international experience, strategic acumen and a deep understanding of the Virtuoso network.
Since 2023, Sajon has served as Virtuoso’s general manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, heading up one of the organisation’s most established regions. During that time, Sajon successfully launched the Regional Preferred Partner Program, which now encompasses 28 companies and serves as a complement to Virtuoso’s Global Preferred Partner Program. She introduced “Virtuoso, The Book,” an annual collectible publication featuring inspirational content and paid placements by world-renowned luxury jewelry and watch brands that wanted to reach influential travellers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. She also elevated member engagement through a roster of events across the region that brought together members and partners through networking and professional development opportunities.
