Marriott appoints new leaders for sub-Saharan Africa

Marriott International recently announced new appointments across its sub-Saharan Africa portfolio. Volker Heiden takes on the role of Area Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa and will oversee operations of all managed properties across the region.

Heiden has held senior finance positions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Prior to joining Marriott International in South Africa in 2017, he was Vice President of Finance for Marriott’s Caribbean and Latin American region, based in Plantation, Florida.

Sean Maher has been appointed Market Vice President for South Africa for Marriott International. Maher has 32 years’ experience with Protea Hotels and Marriott International.  

For 16 years he was General Manager of five Protea Hotels before a short stint as Regional General Manager in Johannesburg. Maher was then appointed to the Protea Board of Directors in 2008, before taking on the role of Senior Regional Director for Protea.

Departure from Mantis

Mandisa Magwaxaza has left Mantis Collection, where she was Public Relations Manager and Copywriter.

She has been with Mantis Collection since 2017, managing relations with local and regional tourism offices, media, and social influencers.

Magwaxaza was previously a digital content creator at Classic Portfolios and began her career in reservations at Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge.

She has started her own company and will be the Chief Storyteller at Mandisa Magwaxaza Communications. She will continue in her role as Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Chapter of SATSA.