School of Hotel, Resort & Tourism Management

Executive Advisory Board

 

Keith BarrKeith Barr
Chief Operating Officer – Australia and NZ
InterContinental Hotels Group
Keith Barr oversees the day to day regional operations of the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands. Based in Sydney, he is responsible for driving the continued expansion of these global brands in the region.

Pavan BhatiaPavan Bhatia
Executive Director - Tourism Division
Raptis Group Limited
Pavan Bhatia steers the Raptis Group’s luxury hotel portfolio as Executive Director – Tourism.
Pavan previously held the position of CEO of Gold Coast Tourism and was the architect behind the transformation of Regional Destination Marketing, including securing $50m for business and leisure tourism funding.

Geoff GarsideGeoff Garside
Executive Vice President - Asia Pacific
Marriott International
Based in Hong Kong, Geoff Garside is responsible for all of Marriott International’s operations in the region which currently encompasses 93 hotels in 14 countries and territories representing the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments and Courtyard by Marriott lodging brands.

David GibsonDavid Gibson
CEO Asia Pacific
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels
For the past 12 years David Gibson has led the growth of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels to see it become the leading tourism property services group in Asia Pacific and globally. He personally advises many of the leading hotel investment and operating groups to help them achieve their tourism goals.

Simon McGrathSimon McGrath
Vice President
Accor Australia
Simon McGrath’s role encompasses both operational and corporate office responsibilities across Accor’s Australian hotels. Simon joined Accor in 2005 as General Manager, Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns and was later appointed Regional General Manager, also overseeing all hotel operations in Northern Australia and Perth. Prior to joining Accor, Simon worked for Rydges Hotels and Resorts across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.

Sture MyrmellSture Myrmell
Vice President Hotel Operations and Purchasing
Carnival Australia
Sture Myrmell is responsible for maximising passengers’ onboard experiences for P&O Cruises Australia. Sture was previously based in Los Angeles as Director of Hotel Operations for Princess Cruises where he was responsible for hotel operations, including the conversion of Australia’s first superliner Pacific Dawn.

Tony RyanTony Ryan
Principal
Ryan Capital Advisors
Tony Ryan has over 23 years experience providing commercial and legal services to the real estate and hotel/tourism industries. Tony provides strategic and practical advice, assisting companies to expand locally and overseas by acquiring, financing and disposing of assets and corporate entities. Tony is a retained solicitor and adviser for the Property Council of Australia and TTF Australia, the peak bodies for the property and tourism industries.   

Greg SearGreg Sear
Director of Operations
Mirvac Hotels and Resorts
Greg Sear is responsible for the operational management of Mirvac’s 42 hotels and resorts located throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Greg was previously CEO of Saville Hotels, managing 11 hotels and was actively involved in growth and development of the Saville Hotel portfolio.

Van der WallenJohn van der Wallen
Senior Fund Manager, CPHF
Colonial First State Global Asset Management
John van der Wallen oversees the investment performance of the group’s hotel fund and the team responsible for its delivery. The Fund owns the four large Marriott hotels located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, with a combined assets value of over $500 million.

Olivia WirthOlivia Wirth
Executive Director
Tourism & Transport Forum Australia
Olivia Wirth is responsible for the management of policy development, advocacy agenda and day-to day management of the Tourism & Transport Forum. Olivia has over a decade of experience in tourism and public affairs working for the Australian Tourist Commission, Tourism Australia, and the former Minister for Small Business and Tourism, the Hon. Joe Hockey.