Founding member and MD of Gondwana Collection, Mannfred Goldbeck, is passing on the baton.

Goldbeck will remain with the company as a Senior Executive and focus on Gondwana branding and marketing and on further improving its environmental practices with the aim of achieving sustainable tourism. He will also focus on building a Gondwana Hospitality Academy at Stampriet.

“In brand and marketing lie opportunities for new growth to unlock potential, attracting even more guests eager to discover and explore Namibia,” said Goldbeck.

Gondwana is advertising for a new MD and the process will be facilitated over the next six months by the Gondwana Board. Requirements include a passion for Namibia, commitment to the company, understanding of tourism, and leadership and vision.  

Goldbeck will stay on as MD until the end of the year.

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort and Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali, have appointed GM, Nils Rothbarth, effective June 17.

Rothbarth was previously GM of Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. He has also worked at Karos Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg and Holiday Inn Garden Court, Bloemfontein.

Rothbarth holds a management degree from the Heidelberg Hotel Management School in Germany.

“I am looking forward to my new role where I resolve to lead and inspire my team to achieve their goals and personal effectiveness beyond all expectations,” said Rothbarth.

Stuart Cason has been appointed new Executive Chef of Hilton Sandton.

He started his career at the InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Hotel. In 1999, he received a bronze medal in his first Salon Culinaire competition and at the age of 21, became the youngest chef to win the Unilever Chef of the Year competition.

“With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Stuart has a wealth of knowledge in culinary arts that we are excited to see blending with the all-day dining experience at Hilton,” said Gert Venter, Hotel Manager of Hilton Sandton.