Accor announces new movers & shakers

This month, Accor Australia announced the following movers and shakers who have landed new roles within Australia’s largest network of hotels.

Wayne Taranto has been appointed General Manager, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, effective February 4 2015.

Wayne first joined Accor in November 2010 at the Sydney Olympic Park, managing all aspects of Food & Beverage whilst overseeing the National strategy for F & B Academy.

In April 2012, Wayne assumed the role of General Manager at the Pullman Sydney Olympic Park before being appointed to his most recent role as General Manager at the Pullman Quay Grand in November 2013.

Cleo Seaman has been appointed General Manager, Pullman Quay Grand, commencing on March 16 2015. Cleo first joined Accor in November 2002 as Food and Beverage Manager at The Como Melbourne, before taking on the role of Front Office Manager in June 2005.

In June 2006, Cleo moved to The Sebel Melbourne as Operations Manager and was then appointed to the role of General Manager at the Sebel Launceston in November 2006 before leaving Accor to join The Establishment Hotel Sydney.

Cleo returned to Accor in June 2009 as General Manager at the Hotel Lindrum Melbourne and was then appointed to her most recent role as General Manager at The Como Melbourne since September 2012.

Steve Wellsteed has been appointed General Manager, Mercure Townsville, effective January 28 2015.

Steve began his career with Accor in November 2003 at the Ibis Styles Port Hedland before moving to the Ibis Perth in February 2005. In June 2005, Steve transferred to the Ibis Styles Katherine and was then promoted to Assistant Front Office Manager at the Ibis Melbourne in November 2006.

In February 2008, he was appointed to the role of Operations Manager at the Novotel Canberra in December 2008, and was an Interim General Manager at the Ibis Style Mount Isa. Steve’s first General Manager appointment was his most recent role at the Ibis Townsville since March 2012.

Darren Waite has been appointed as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Darren joins Accor with over 20 years’ experience having held a number of senior leadership roles in multinational companies within the hospitality industry both in Australia and in the United Kingdom.

Darren was most recently Director, Asia Pacific at CWT Solutions Group based in Sydney. Prior to this he was Director of Key Accounts for InterContinental Hotels Group.

Blair Weir has been appointed Director of Sales Marketing Business and Leisure at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, effective February 16 2015.

Blair joins Sofitel Sydney Wentworth from Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom and previously held the position of Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Sofitel Luxury Hotels. Blair comes with an extensive background and knowledge in Sales and Marketing practices and the world of Sofitel.

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Accor Australia Blair Weir Cleo Seaman Darren Waite Steve Wellsteed Wayne Taranto