Marriott International has strengthened its leadership across several hotels in South Africa with the appointment of new general managers.
To maintain its position as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry, Marriott is leaning on experienced leaders to drive operational excellence and enhance guest experiences.
“We are particularly proud to appoint Kirsty Jamieson, Charmaine April and Leanka Petrella as first-time General Managers. Their appointments also underscore our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly advancing female leadership within the hospitality industry.”
New appointments:
- Kirsty Jamieson | General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott Nelspruit
Jamieson has been with Protea Hotels by Marriott for over a decade as Business Optimisation Manager and Front Office Manager. Most recently, she was Operations Manager at Protea Hotel Nelspruit.
Her contributions to the industry were recognised with the prestigious 2023 FEDHASA Young Professional of the Year Award for Southern Africa.
- Charmaine April | General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott North Wharf, Cape Town
April’s career with Protea Hotels by Marriott spans more than a decade. Starting as a Receptionist at Protea Hotel by Marriott Tyger Valley, she advanced with valuable experience through Khulanathi, Marriott International’s leadership development programme.
- Jeremy Govender | General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott Sea Point
Govender’s 25 years of hospitality experience includes internships at Cape Grace and Ambassador Hotel. He has held senior roles at various Marriott properties including Protea Hotel by Marriott Breakwater Lodge, Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers and Arabella Hotel & Spa.
His recent roles include General Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Saldanha Bay, General Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durbanville and Operations Manager for BON Hotels.
- Conrad Jonck | General Manager, Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
Jonck began his career with Marriott in 2002, progressing from a Sous Chef to an Executive Chef at Protea Hotel by Marriott King George. With valuable Rooms Division experience, he advanced to positions at various properties including Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town and the Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers.
In 2016, Jonck was appointed General Manager of Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Cape Castle before he moved to the same position at Protea Hotel by Marriott North Wharf in 2020.
- Leanka Petrella | General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott George King George
Petrella has held diverse roles in multiple departments at Protea Hotels by Marriott including Assistant Housekeeper, Sous Chef and Reservations Manager. She also played a key role in launching Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town and Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge before pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. After five years of success in the culinary world, she returned to Protea Hotels by Marriott where she took on several roles, most recently managing Sales, Revenue and Marketing at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Umhlanga Ridge.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg announces key appointments
The leadership team members across operations, F&B, HR and marketing have stepped into their new roles for the Park Hyatt brand in South Africa.
Mitch Gemmell | General Manager
Gemmell has over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality. He has worked at South Africa’s most renowned boutique properties including Seven Villa Hotel and Spa. His expertise, acquired in pivotal roles at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa and Serengeti Estates, encompasses strategic planning, F&B innovation and operational finesse.
David Asamoah | Director of Room Operations
Asamoah focuses on delivering seamless guest experiences. With a deep understanding of guest services, he has balanced Room Operations across properties such as the Winston Hotel.
Debi van Flymen | Director of F&B
At Park Hyatt Johannesburg, Van Flymen’s vision is to create works of art on every plate with each dish stimulating the senses and leaving a lasting impression. Her commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and her attention to detail ensure every meal is a luxurious exploration of South Africa’s rich culinary heritage.
Christopher Tustian | Executive Chef
Tustian’s creative culinary flair elevates the dining experience at Park Hyatt Johannesburg with unique, locally inspired menus. With experience spanning prestigious international kitchens, he strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Neesan Chetty | HR Manager
Chetty is dedicated to cultivating a positive work culture and driving employee engagement. With over seven years in hospitality, Chetty specialises in recruitment, employee relations and strategic HR planning. He previously worked with Gold Reef City Casino and Suncoast Casino.
Ankita Raturi | Marketing and Communications Manager
Raturi is set to enhance the hotel’s brand presence with fresh marketing strategies. Having worked with hospitality brands such as Marriott Hotels and the Oberoi Group, her expertise is in curating marketing campaigns that provoke the imagination and invite guests to discover the pleasures of a stay. Her ability to balance creativity with measurable impact has earned her accolades for driving brand awareness and engagement.
In addition to the Park Hyatt Johannesburg team appointments, Hyatt in South Africa has announced two cluster appointments:
Riannon Rees | Group Executive Housekeeper
Rees has worked in hospitality for over 25 years in key leadership roles with brands like Sun International and InterContinental Hotels. Currently, she is responsible for overseeing operations across multiple properties, ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction and maintaining housekeeping standards. Her extensive expertise spans staff management, operational efficiency and maintaining luxury standards across hotels, resorts and private residences.
Nicholas van der Walt | Group Executive Pastry Chef
Van der Walt has over 18 years of international experience. Known for his award-winning creations and leadership, he enhances dessert offerings across Hyatt’s properties. Van der Walt is committed to innovation, sustainability and nurturing the next generation of pastry chefs.
Rees and Van der Walt, based at Park Hyatt Johannesburg, will be responsible for their departments across four Hyatt-branded hotels: Park Hyatt Johannesburg, Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank, Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton and Hyatt Regency Cape Town.
