Accommodation Australia has welcomed two new board members under a streamlined board structure, with representatives for each state and territory.
Following elections in Sydney this week, 1834 Hotels’ CEO Andrew Bullock was appointed Treasurer and RACV Hobart Hotel Manger, Shelley Verdouw, was welcomed to the 11-person board board.
The Ascott Limited’s David Mansfield was re-elected as Accommodation Australia Chair, with IHG’s Emma Hynes also re-elected as Deputy Chair.
“I congratulate all re-elected board members – especially David and Emma – and would like to welcome both Andrew and Shelley to the team,” said Accommodation Australia CEO, James Goodwin.
“This is a board that is strong on industry and governance experience, and I look forward to working with everyone to deliver against our new strategic plan to get the best possible outcomes for our members and the broader tourism sector.
“This new board is now made up of directors representing each state and territory meaning they will be able to provide first-hand accounts of the unique issues impacting our members in their jurisdiction while having shared, national goals.”
Mansfield welcomed the newly established Board and thanked the three outgoing board members, particularly former Treasurer Bruce Copland.
“These changes successfully complete the transition and amalgamation period of the new organisation, and the first meeting of the new Board was straight down to business, approving a new strategic plan for the next three years,” said Mansfield.
“Our direction is based on three pillars; evidence-based policy and advocacy, engaged members and strong governance – which will all work to achieve our vision, and be underpinned by our values.”
“Bruce has put in decades of service to the accommodation sector and I would like to thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of the industry.”
A dinner was held in Sydney to welcome the new Board and to acknowledge Copland’s service, with a Certificate of Appreciation presented in recognition of his leadership of accommodation associations and broader contribution to the industry.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to out-going board members Julian Clark – who has stepped down from the board after many years’ service to our sector – and to Wayne Taranto,” Mansfield said.
“All three are champions of our industry.”
The newly established Accommodation Australia Board includes the following representatives for each state: Emma Hynes, IHG Hotels & Resorts (NSW); Jason Nuell, Marriott International (NSW); David Mansfield, The Ascott Limited (VIC); Adrian Williams, Accor, Pacific (VIC); Barry Robinson, Travel+Leisure Co. (QLD); Geoff York, Crystalbrook Collection (QLD); Andrew Cairns, Crown Hotels & Resorts (WA); Andrew Bullock – 1834 Hotels (SA); Shelley Verdouw, RACV Hobart (TAS); Paul Hutton, Hilton (NT) and Joanna Carruthers, EVT (ACT)