South African hotelier BON Hotels has announced the appointment of Pieter van Eck as its new Chief Operating Officer, moving from his previous position as Group Development Director. With an impressive track record in hospitality management, Van Eck is poised to contribute significantly to the company’s future growth and success.
In his new role, he will be responsible for executing BON Hotels’ strategic vision, which involves developing the company’s talent, enhancing systems and processes, and driving profitability across all business units. A paramount aspect of his role will be nurturing stakeholder relations to ensure optimal results, service and support for hotel owners.
BON Hotel’s Founder and CEO Guy Stehlik is transitioning to a strategic role within the company. While maintaining overall responsibility for the BON Group, Stehlik will now focus on key initiatives, such as acquiring new hotel properties, establishing strategic partnerships, mentoring within the organisation, and strengthening key external relations. This transition follows Stehlik’s recent sabbatical, which he describes as having massively reinvigorated his vision for the future of BON Hotels.
Stehlik commented: “Pieter’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental in realising our strategic vision. This transition allows us to leverage our respective strengths, positioning BON Hotels for continued growth and success in the dynamic hospitality industry.”
Carnival City appoints new GM
Sun International has appointed Bryan O’Connor to the position of General Manager for its Carnival City Casino & Entertainment World property in Brakpan.
O’Connor’s introduction to casinos began over 20 years ago at Sugar Mill Casino in KwaZulu-Natal, as a Training Officer. He first joined the Sun International group in 2015 as Group Food and Beverage Manager (F&B) for Casino Operations after Sun’s acquisition of Headline Leisure Management (HLM).
In 2017 he was moved to the newly built Time Square Casino complex in Pretoria, where he played an integral role in setting up the new F&B Department. By 2020 he was promoted to Operations Manager of the unit.
Sun International CEO, Anthony Leeming said, “In addition to Bryan’s gaming and F&B background, he brings valuable experience in the leadership and management space. His knowledge of casino operations, coupled with his commitment and passion, made him the natural choice to head up Carnival City. I would like to congratulate him and to wish him well in his new role.”
O’Connor has a National Diploma in Hospitality Management as well as a Btech: HRD Degree. He said: “I am honoured to be stepping into this position, and I look forward to working alongside the team at Carnival City to ensure that we go above and beyond meeting the expectations of our guests.
“In my spare time I enjoy long distance running. The reward in that comes from setting and then achieving my goals and targets. I am looking forward to also meeting up with other local runners.”
