Darren Edmonstone, managing director, Asia-Pacific for Outrigger Enterprises Group, has announced the appointment of John Gerrard to the dual positions of area general manager Australia and general manager of the 409-room Outrigger Surfers Paradise.
In his new roles, Gerrard will oversee the operational and strategic direction of four resorts operated by Outrigger in addition to heading Outrigger Surfers Paradise. Other properties under his direction and located in Queensland’s premier tourist destinations include Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa, Noosa; Outrigger Twin Towns Resort, Coolangatta; and Boathouse Apartments by Outrigger at Airlie Beach.
Originally from Sydney, Gerrard has worked extensively throughout South East Asia and the subcontinent. His wealth of experience within these markets will be drawn upon as Australia continues to attract year-on-year growth from Asia and further afield.
Most recently Gerrard was operational consultant for Temple Tree and Bon Ton Resorts in Malaysia, working alongside the owner on management contracts, strategic direction and identifying operational opportunities.
Other senior roles Gerrard has held include vice president of Thailand’s Imperial Hotel Group where he oversaw ten hotels and resorts; director of the Indian hotel division of AST INVESCAP based in New Delhi; area director at Intercontinental Hotels Group for India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka; and group director for the luxury division of Taj Hotels in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Maldives.
Commenting on Gerrard’s appointment, Edmonstone said he was confident he would bring a significant depth of leadership, experience and innovation to the Australian operations of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.
“John’s impressive background working for some of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, together with his broad understanding of hotel management, operations, revenue growth and his extensive industry contacts, is a strategic fit for Outrigger as we continue to expand the brand throughout Asia-Pacific.”
