Leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce two key appointments within its executive team, including a new Head of Commercial and Director of Brand & Marketing, while its Hunter Valley property Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort has welcomed a new General Manager.
Mr John Thompson has assumed the position of Head of Commercial – Minor Hotels, Australia and New Zealand, responsible for driving and overseeing the brand’s business growth and commercial strategy in these key markets, where it currently operates over 50 properties.
Mr Thompson steps into this role with more than 20 years’ experience within the hospitality sector, having worked in executive positions for a number of leading global brands including Hilton Worldwide, Thistle Hotels, and most recently InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where he was in charge of the commercial performance of over 20 properties across the group’s England and Scotland operation.
Mr John Thompson, Head of Commercial – Minor Hotels, Australia and New Zealand
A respected and savvy commercial director, he has also owned and operated a successful consultancy business, where he provided bespoke commercial solutions through consultancy, training and coaching to leading organisations within the hospitality industry.
Mr Thompson is based out of Minor Hotels’ Australian head office on the Sunshine Coast.
Ms Melissa Rodrigues has meanwhile joined the company as Director of Brand & Marketing – Minor Hotels, Australia and New Zealand, stationed at the brand’s Sydney office.
Prior to joining Minor Hotels, Ms Rodrigues held the role of Head of Brand & Marketing Communications for e-commerce platform Menulog where she spearheaded the brand’s refresh, following on from a successful tenure with Carnival Australia as Head of Marketing for P&O Cruises Australia. She has also lead countless successful marketing campaigns for some of Australia’s most renowned tourism, technology and lifestyle brands, including Qantas, Telstra and Nine (formerly ninemsn).
Ms Melissa Rodrigues, Director of Brand & Marketing – Minor Hotels, Australia and New Zealand
In her capacity as Director of Brand & Marketing for Minor Hotels’ Australia and New Zealand division, Ms Rodrigues’ key responsibilities will include developing the company’s strategic brand and tactical marketing direction in line with the group’s global strategy, as well as overseeing all digital, brand, public relations, loyalty and creative functions.
On a property level, Oaks Hotels & Resorts has appointed Mr Shaun O’Bryan as General Manager of Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley.
Mr O’Bryan returns to his New South Wales roots after an extensive 18-year career overseas, where he held various General Manager and operational positions for The Ritz-Carlton LLC, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Belmond El Encanto and most recently Luxury Retreats.
Mr Shaun O’Bryan, General Manager of Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley
In his new role with Oaks Hotels & Resorts, Mr O’Bryan will now direct the overall operations of its iconic Hunter Valley property, which comprises over 130 villas in a range of One, Two, Three and Four-bedroom configurations, an award-winning 18 holes championship golf course, three swimming pools, tennis courts, two Restaurants and two bars, gymnasium and seven versatile function venues.
