What’s better on a Friday than landing a killer new role in the travel industry? And no, we don’t mean to say that these industry movers and shakers are murderers.

New dining destinations revealed for Daydream Island as Bradley Martin takes on Executive Chef role

Daydream Island Resort has today announced executive chef, Bradley Martin, will lead the Resort’s premium dining destinations when it reopens later this year. A passionate Queenslander, Martin will bring his extensive resort experience to the island and will lead the opening of three restaurants; Graze, Infinity and Inkstone Kitchen and Bar and four bars; Lovers Cove, Barefoot Bar, Tonic and Silica.

Classically trained with European cuisine and Asian fusion, most recently Martin was the Executive Chef at Taumeasina Island Resort Samoa where he opened and led three dining destinations including a fine dining restaurant, casual pool deck and a la carte restaurant.

Through simple yet creative menus, Martin plans to hero local producers and shine the spotlight on local flavours and ingredients.

“I have been meeting local farmers and producers in the Whitsundays region and am excited by the quality of food that surrounds us. My food is prepared with love and respect and my menus will show this through simple yet modern dishes,” he said.

Nicky Bain joins Wendy Wu Tours as new business development manager, QLD

Wendy WU Tours, Australia’s leading Asia tour operator is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicky Bain to the role of Business Development Manager, Qld.

Bain joins the Wendy Wu Tours Business Development Team with over 17 years experience in the travel industry. Her most recent position as Sales Manager New Zealand for Best Western Australasia, saw significant sales growth for the company.

Bain brings with her a wealth of experience and first-hand knowledge into the ever-increasing competitive environment of the travel industry.

Speaking on her appointment, Bain said “I am very excited to be joining the team at Wendy Wu Tours and help with the continued rising success of the company. I am looking forward to representing Australia’s leading tour operator to Asia and growing the company to even new heights.”

La Réserve hotels and Myconian Hotel Collection appoints Léa Seguier as Sales Ambassador to Asia Pacific

Léa Seguier has been appointed as the Sales Ambassador to the Asia Pacific for the exclusive La Réserve hotels and Myconian Hotel Collection. She will be responsible for representing all facets of the brands and be based in Sydney.

Hailing from France, Seguier graduated in International Hospitality Management from Surrey University, UK. She began her career with an internship at the Belmond’s Hotel de la Cité in Carcassonne (formerly Orient Express) but graduated quickly to receptionist and finally Sales Manager.

In 2009, Léa came to Australia and worked at the Observatory Hotel as Sales Manager. After it was sold by Belmond, she secured a position as Business Development Manager at the Shangri La in Sydney. She has progressed quickly from there to Regional Sales at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, in Cap d’Antibes, (Oetker Collection) and then to Communications & Sales Director at one of the most exclusive palaces in Paris, La Réserve hotel (Palace ranked number one in the World by Conde Nast).

After three years in Paris and extensive travel around the globe, Seguier was offered the opportunity to represent the La Réserve group in the Asia Pacific and has thus begun a new chapter, starting her own business, to act as an ambassador of luxury brands: www.leaseguier.com Seguier believes that Australian clientele represent a huge potential for the luxury sector. In addition, Seguier is also an Associate to Anthony Knox & Associates whom she has known since the beginning of her career.

Avis Budget Group announced new commercial director for the pacific region

Avis Budget Group has today announced the appointment of Ian Jones as Commercial Director for the Pacific region. In this role, he is responsible for driving growth across our Avis, Budget and Apex brands in the Pacific region.

Jones, joins the organisation with a wealth of experience having worked at large-scale businesses across the country, such as ASX listed marketing services business, Salmat, and Australia Post.

“I’m excited to be stepping into this role at Avis Budget Group, and joining this global organization at a time of exciting transition and innovation, as the car rental giant evolves into an overarching mobility solutions provider,” said Jones.

Jones’ role as commercial director is effective from 16 July. He will be based in Sydney.

The New Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc appoints EAM

Hospitality executive Prakash Ganesan has joined the new Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc as the soon-to-open property’s executive assistant manager.

Ganesan comes to the 514-room resort after seven years in Vietnam, where he worked most recently as the director of food and beverage at the Pullman Vung Tau Hotel and Convention Centre. He previously worked as director of operations at Odyssea Hospitality Management, with responsibilities for Liberty Central Hotels & Resorts, as well as the Novotel Danang Premier Han River and Premier Village Danang Resort.

A Malaysian national, Ganesan started his hospitality career in an internship with Holiday Inn, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida 20 years ago. At subsequent positions in Malaysia and South America, he rose through the ranks as a chef and food and beverage manager for the likes of Le Meridien, Hilton and Novotel, before becoming the director of food and beverage for the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa’s pre-opening team in January 2009.

He holds a Brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS) technician certificate in hotel management as well as an executive MBA from RMIT University Vietnam that he completed this year. Describing himself as an “impactful communicator, problem solver and excellent coach”, Ganesan’s experience ranges from hotel pre-openings to project management and strategic planning and execution.