5 Star Conversations

In this episode of "Five Star Conversations," Dave Baswal, CEO of Ovolo Hotels, shares his journey and insights into the innovative practices reshaping modern hospitality. Broadcasting from the vibrant ACDC suite at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Dave discussed his rise to leadership within the Ovolo Group—a collection of boutique hotels that stand out for their commitment to unique guest experiences and heartfelt hospitality. Under Dave's guidance, the group has seen significant expansion and success, particularly in the realms of ethical practices and creative sustainability, showcasing his ability to blend strategic acumen with a passion for eco-friendly initiatives.

Throughout the conversation, Dave highlighted his unconventional path into the hospitality industry, reflecting on his initial reluctance and subsequent embrace of the sector that now benefits from his global perspective and innovative leadership style. His narrative is punctuated with personal anecdotes from his early career shifts from finance to hotel management, illustrating a deep-seated commitment to exceeding guest expectations through innovative service. This insightful dialogue not only painted a picture of Dave's visionary leadership but also offered a masterclass in how embracing challenges and fostering team spirit can lead to remarkable outcomes in the hospitality industry.

Biography of Dave Baswal

Dave Baswal serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ovolo Group, where he leads with a focus on innovation and heartfelt hospitality. Under his stewardship, Ovolo has grown into a collection of contemporary hotels

Promoted to CEO in April 2022, Dave's journey with the Ovolo Group spans over seven years, a period during which he has spearheaded strategic partnerships and driven the company's expansion in Australia. His focus on

Dave's path to success began in India, shaped further by

Before joining Ovolo, Dave acquired a wealth of experience in finance and operations across various sectors, laying a solid foundation for his leadership role. He is also an active member of CPA Australia and serves as a National Board Member for Accommodation Australia, contributing to the industry's growth and evolution.

Dave is most proud of the team he leads at Ovolo. Together, they share a vision of not just meeting guests' expectations but exceeding them, fostering a culture of innovation and warmth. Dave's story is one of humble leadership, driving change, and inspiring his team to achieve greatness together.

In "5 Star Conversations," Brendon speaks with Accor's COO for the Pacific, Adrian Williams. Adrian reflects on his start in food and beverage, a pivotal Canadian stint at Banff Springs Hotel, and his rise within Accor. His path shows the hospitality sector's dynamic nature and capacity for personal growth. He credits his parents for steering him towards hospitality, a field that's trained him and many others, providing diverse career paths.

Adrian discusses the sector's resilience post-COVID-19, its adaptability, and growth, highlighting new property styles and services. He's excited about hospitality's increasing role in daily life, such as events at Accor Stadium. Technology's impact is also explored, with Adrian viewing it as essential for productivity and improving guest experiences, from mobile check-ins to AI's potential in service and operations. These advancements promise an efficient, guest-centric future for hospitality.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Simon McGrath AM, one of Australia’s most accomplished Hoteliers as he reflects on three decades of experience. From the changing landscape of technology to envisioning the future of hotels, Simon shares invaluable insights for industry professionals and aspiring leaders alike. Discover the key elements that contribute to a successful career in hospitality and gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic evolution in the industry. Don't miss this engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the exciting future of hospitality.

Simon McGrath is one of Australia’s most accomplished Hoteliers over the past 30 years, having helped grow Accor to almost 400 hotels across the region and leading a team of over 18,000 employees.

He has been a multi-winner of the Australasian Hotelier of the Year at the HM Awards, has championed industry with local, state and federal governments and also recently served as Vice President of the Accommodation Association of Australia.

He has over three decades of experience in the hotel sector and served for 16 years as the head of Accor in the Pacific region following senior leadership roles with Southern Pacific Hotels and Rydges Hotels and Resorts.

Simon is also a recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the promotion of Australian tourism internationally, an accolade bestowed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 2019.

Contact Details for Brendon:

In this interview with Michael Johnson, CEO of Accommodation Australia, we take a personal and in-depth look at his remarkable journey in the hotel industry, which spans over four decades in Australia and New Zealand. We talk about his varied experiences, managing a diverse range of hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions. As well as Michael's significant involvement in every aspect of tourism accommodation, from his hands-on leadership in projects like the Park Royal Parramatta's redevelopment and relaunch to his crucial role during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michael's story begins with a serendipitous entry into the hospitality industry at 19 while on holiday in New Zealand. This unexpected start led him down a path filled with diverse experiences and roles – from a kitchen hand to a concierge, eventually climbing up to senior management positions. He highlights the importance of being flexible and eager to learn in the hospitality sector. Through his anecdotes, Michael gives us a glimpse into the early stages of his career and the mentors who played a pivotal role in shaping his professional life.

When discussing the future of the hotel industry, Michael's enthusiasm is evident, especially about the emergence of boutique and lifestyle hotels. However, he doesn't shy away from addressing the pressing concerns like industrial relations reforms and the crucial role of migration in the industry's staffing. Drawing from his wealth of experience, especially during times of crisis like COVID-19, Michael underlines the need for the industry to be ever-prepared for unforeseen challenges. His insights paint a comprehensive picture of the hospitality industry, showcasing a blend of adaptability, forward-thinking, and a genuine commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent in the field.

Michael Johnson (Bio)

Chief Executive Officer

The inaugural CEO of Accommodation Australia - National, Michael has more than thirty years of experience at the highest levels of the tourism accommodation sector across Australia and New Zealand.  As head of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA National and NSW) since May 2019, Michael spearheaded the sector’s response to COVID, steering it through its darkest days in more than 100 years and representing the accommodation sector in the halls of power in Canberra and Sydney and in the media. A former long-time general manager of four- and five-star hotels, Michael lives and breathes the industry and is committed to providing all members with the highest levels of service and representation.  As CEO of TAA – and interim CEO of the Accommodation Association of Australia since October 2022 (the first person to hold both roles) – Michael has been pivotal in the amalgamation of Australia’s two peak accommodation bodies – a merger he has described as a long-held “dream come true.”  Michael epitomises the resilience of the accommodation sector and whether it’s encouraging the next generation of young hotel workers to build a successful career in hospitality or drawing attention to the needs of the industry at the highest levels, he is an enthusiastic and effective ambassador for the accommodation sector.

An Interview with Patrick Griffiin AOM. Truly an industry legend and a gentleman.

Since I first met Patrick 33 years ago, I have admired him and followed his career.  

Let me give you a little background on Patrick

His distinguished 48 years in hospitality have spanned two continents and five hotel groups.

His career started in 1963 as a trainee manager at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, a very traditional Victorian-era five-star hotel, where he found his passion for hospitality.  

He joined Hilton Hotels in Amsterdam and returned to the luxury group of De Vere Hotels UK. At the age of 27 he became one of the youngest hotel GM's in Britain.

In 1988 he relocated to Melbourne, Australia to set up the highly awarded Hotel Como.

Which is where I first met Patrick 33 years ago (Ouch that makes me feel old)

In 1992 he joined Orient-Express Hotels to develop and open the first of the company’s ventures into Australasia, The Observatory Hotel in Sydney, moulding the hotel into a truly iconic Australian legend.

In 2009, whilst National Accommodation President of the Australian Hotels Association, he was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for ‘Services to Hotels and the Tourism Industry’. Patrick retired from his role as Regional Managing Director of the famed Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises in 2011 after 19 years. During his time with the company he oversaw both The Observatory Hotel in Sydney (now The Langham) and, until the sale in January 2010, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort. Patrick is one of the longest-standing five-star hotel GMs in Australia.

On top of his OAM Patrick has been widely recognised for his contribution to the industry 

2004 Recognised by the Tourism and Transport Forum with the ‘Quintessential Hotelier Award for 40 Years of Achievement’

2004 Awarded the ‘Platinum Award’ by Tourism Training Australia ‘in recognition of outstanding services, support and personal contributions to TTA’

2009 Inaugural inductee into The Industries Hall of Fame

2010 Inducted into the AHA’s Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame

Most recently in 2021, he received the Ashley Spencer Service to the Industry Award

Patrick is married with three sons.  These days Patrick is an Author 'The Grand Life' (www.patrickgriffin.info), an After Dinner Speaker and a Consultant on Luxury Service Standards.

In the interview, we talk about Simon's early career in hospitality which happened to start by accident.

We also talked about his unknown talents, soccer and guitar. Of course, we also talk about technology.

Simon appreciates and embraces technology in the hospitality industry, despite not being a technology expert. He studied IT programming in the past and recognizes the importance of technology for enhancing productivity and adding value to the business. He believes that technology, like chat GPT, can enhance the guest experience and help hotels overcome labor challenges, which have become more pronounced after the COVID-19 pandemic. Simon encourages a positive perspective on technology's role in the industry and emphasizes the need to adapt and leverage it to stay competitive and provide better service.

Simon Wan is the President and Director of StayWell Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Prince Hotels & Resorts., the largest Hotel owner and operator in Japan. Simon is spearheading Prince and StayWell overseas hotel developments and operations.

Simon has over 35 years of experience working for leading international hospitality groups around the world. Prior to StayWell, Simon was the CEO and Managing Director of THL – an ASX-listed hotel company with 530 hotels worldwide. Prior roles include the Managing Director of the Park Plaza Hotel Group for Asia Pacific and Accor’s CEO for North Asia, based in Beijing, overseeing a hotel portfolio of 68 hotels in the region.

Disclosure

Simon was my very first boss in hotels. The year was 1986 and it was the Parkroyal on St Kilda Road. He was the Executive Assistant Manager and I was a trainee on a full-year internship with my Hotel Management Degree at Victoria University.  I remember vividly one thing that Simon instilled in me in my early career. You need to have initiative. I've always remembered that.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Tish Nyar, a seasoned hospitality professional, as he shares his perspectives on the industry's core values, effective leadership, the delicate balance of technology, and preparing for an evolving future. Delve into his discussions on the importance of genuine guest interactions, the impact of inspirational leaders, the integration of technology without compromising human touch, and navigating challenges in a dynamic landscape. Discover Tish's insights on AI's role in call centers, the resilience required for unforeseen crises, and the delicate equilibrium between pent-up travel demand and sustainable tourism practices.

Tish's Bio as of March 2023

Tish has a wide range of expertise gained over 30 years in the hotel industry. He has a proven track record in operations and overall asset management. His overall industry experience can also be seen in his work with the NSW Tourism Accommodation Australia Board and National Accommodation Division Board & More recently with the AAOA NSW Advisory Committee, his Strategic Management Certification from Macquarie University Graduate School of Management, Advanced Diploma of Hotel Manager from the Blue Mountains International Hotel School and his presence on the TAA – AHA National and NSW Board. Last year Tish also received a leadership award from the B.M.I.H.M.S alumni. 

Tish has recently been promoted to Senior Director of Operations ANZ with TFE Hotels where he has been for the last 6 years.

He currently manages a team of three Regional General Managers and 51 hotels across TFE Hotels’ Australia and New Zealand network.

In this insightful conversation, Scott Boyes, an industry leader, discusses the evolving landscape of hospitality and the importance of fostering quality teams, hotel experiences, and guest appreciation. Amidst economic uncertainties and ongoing challenges, Scott highlights the resilience and adaptability of the industry. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where technology plays a supporting role, allowing hotel teams to enhance face-to-face interactions and provide exceptional experiences. Join us for an engaging discussion on the potential changes in the next three, five, and ten years, and how the hotel industry can position itself as a valuable asset class alongside commercial and residential spaces. Discover the enduring human touch that differentiates the hospitality industry and drives its success.

Today I have the pleasure of talking with Mark Hodge. Mark has had an extraordinary career in the hospitality and tourism sector which spans more than 30 years.

At the time of the interview, Mark was with The Star Entertainment Group as the General Manager of Hotels & Residences, Gold Coast. In this role, Mark oversaw The Star Gold Coast’s existing hotels – The Star Grand and The Darling, as well as the newly established The Star Residences*  

Prior to that, Mark was with the Mantra Group for just over 12 years as Group General Manager, Mantra Resorts, Hotels & Apartments. With the sale of Mantra Group to Accor in 2018, Mark became the Senior Vice President of Operations, at Accor. A role encompassed full operational responsibility across all four brands of Art Series, Peppers, Mantra & BreakFree under the Accor Hotels Apartments & Leases banner across 140 properties that spanned Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia & Hawaii. Mark was also part of Accors' Pacific Executive Committee. 

Mark has held and holds a number of board positions within the industry including past Director of the National Board of Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) Regional Chairman for the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (the predecessor of AAoA) and past Director/Board member for Destination Gold Coast.

Most recently Mark has been appointed as a Chairman of the Accommodation Association, QLD State Advisory Board.

Mark was also the 2022 HM Australian General Manager of the Year.

As of May 2023, Mark finished with the Star Entertainment Group and here is a note from him which was published on LinkedIn.

After 2 exciting years with The Star Entertainment Group on the Gold Coast, my time with the organisation has drawn to a close.
I am so grateful and appreciative for the opportunity and for the incredible team that I worked alongside. Together we achieved so much of which we all should be so proud including as part of the $2.1B masterplan the delivery & opening of Tower 1, the launch of the Dorsett Hotel and personally spearheading the establishment & creation of The Star Residences strata business model across the group ...

Alongside these achievements, I'm also so proud of how we developed a new Hotel executive leadership team across the Darling and The Star Grand Hotels that allowed us to establish a culture where we focused on "what matters most".
As a result, we exceeded many of our KPI targets breaking multiple records on the island including our focus towards guest sentiment, attention to detail and fiscal margins. Personally, as I leave I am richer for the overall experience and the new relationships & friendships that have been formed over my time and the positive legacy I leave behind.