1 March 2023: Boutique designer hotel collection Ovolo announces major changes to its leadership team as the group prepares to turbocharge its expansion.

Leading the charge is Wayne Taranto's promotion to Chief Operating Officer Australia. Wayne will be taking on more responsibility for the Australian region as CEO Dave Baswal focuses more on growth and big picture strategy.

Taranto is a respected industry veteran, with more than 30 years of experience in hotel management and operations including with Accor, Crown, Rydges and D'Albora Marinas. He joined Ovolo in 2020 and quickly built a reputation as a culture-builder, business leader, and visionary within the group.

As a brand built around clever marketing, Ovolo welcomes Alexander Barnett to the role of Marketing Communications Director for Australia. His previous roles have included Portfolio Director of Marketing & Digital for Accor, Global Brand Manager for Staywell Holdings, and various positions with TFE hotels, and Radisson. Alex has an incredible depth of knowledge in branding, marketing and communications and is known for his creative vision.

His appointment will allow Stephen Howard, Ovolo's well-respected Group Director of Marketing to work more closely with Ovolo's Founder and Executive Chairman, Girish Jhunjhnuwala on revving up the brand's active development.

Former Art Series Hotels guru, Ryan Tuckerman, has been appointed Group Director of Sales, Distribution & Revenue, overseeing Ovolo's sales and revenue teams across all regions. With almost 18 years of experience in sales and revenue management including with Sofitel and Stamford Hotels & Resorts, Ryan's commercial acumen will drive Ovolo's class-leading performance.

Meanwhile, tech Wizkid Ben Wrigley is the new Director of IT for Ovolo Australia, bringing a wealth of expertise and experience in hotel IT to the group, having previously been Principal Consultant at Hotel Tech Pros, and Area Director of IT at IHG. With IT such an integral part of successful hotel operations, Ben will play a pivotal role in driving technology innovation across the group's Australian operations.

“These promotions and appointments alongside a cohesive and established leadership of rock stars will form a formidable team, which will help us to accelerate growth and deliver the highest possible performance,” said Dave Baswal, CEO Ovolo Hotels.

The new appointments will work alongside Ovolo's long-standing group leadership team led by Dave Baswal, CEO including Stephen Howard, Group Director of Marketing; Nicole Downs, Group Director of People & Culture; Amanda Cottome, Group Director Brand Experience; and Yawen Cui, Group Finance; as well as the talented Andrea Gauldi, Director of F&B for Australia, all of whom have long tenure with the group.

Dave Baswal continued, “These changes will also allow myself and our group leadership team to focus more on the strategic evolution of Ovolo, and management and development opportunities both regionally and internationally.

 "We have assembled a team with unrivalled passion and expertise, and I am confident we have the right people, the right structure, and the right strategy to propel Ovolo into the next level of its evolution as one of the world's most desirable designer hotel brands.”

Ovolo currently has 13 hotels and 14 restaurants across Australia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia and is looking for expansion opportunities across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the US.

As the Ovolo team expands, the group's mission - to create Shiny Happy People across its guests and employees – remains at the core of the business.

ENDS

Download high res images: here

For further information or imagery, please contact:

Stephen Howard

Group Director of Marketing

T: +61 435 106 187

E: stephen.howard@ovologroup.com

About Ovolo:

The Ovolo Group was founded by entrepreneur Girish Jhunjhnuwala and first entered the real estate market in 2002; then further expanded into the hotel industry in 2010. Ovolo Group quickly became one of Hong Kong and Australia's most leading independent hospitality brands by providing guests with the best in effortless living across hotels and food and beverage outlets.

The Ovolo Group is a collection of contemporary hotels that keep you connected to the little luxuries you love, all effortlessly included. The company prides itself on being in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, complimentary value-added services like the mini bar and breakfast, with cutting-edge technology. Ovolo Hotels have been acknowledged for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, receiving the accolade “Hotel Brand of the Year”, at the 2019, 2020 and 2022 HM Awards.

Ovolo Group is currently operating 13 hotels and 14 restaurants & bars under two brands, Ovolo Hotels and By Ovolo Collective, across Hong Kong, Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Bali.

Whilst Ovolo Hotels remains the core of Ovolo Group's ethos, providing a uniquely rich experience, full of eye-catching art and vibrant interiors alongside it's signature Perks, it also operates By Ovolo Collective a distinctive collection of hotels - each one unique, each one special, the more guests explore, the more they'll find.

At Ovolo, it all starts with our own people – whose care, creativity and passion for hospitality creates a 'feel-good' factor that keeps guests coming back time and time again. Whose effervescence and bright minds help make every day, and every stay – an experience filled with wonder.

Ovolo also recognises the activities of our hotels and restaurants have the potential for negative impacts on the environment and community if not properly managed. Ovolo is committed to achieving best-practice environmental and social sustainability. When people do good, they feel good. So, we aim to be a force for good. On every level – from its individuals to its communities, and our planet – it's clear for all to see. We care.

Ovolo acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we are located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.