Michael Bourne appointed General Manager of the Hilton South Wharf in Melbourne

Hilton Hotels Corporation has appointed Michael Bourne as the General Manager of the Hilton South Wharf, the only hotel located on-site at the new Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre in Australia. Currently under construction, the Hilton South Wharf is scheduled to open in early 2009.

Ashley Spencer, Vice President Operations, Hilton Hotels – Australasia said, “Michael’s experience in operations and opening hotels will ensure that the newest addition to the Hilton portfolio in Australia will start smoothly. Michael will be working hard over the next year to recruit key team members, develop the food and beverage outlets and promote the hotel’s unique position at one of Australia’s best convention centres, to an international audience.”

Michael, a 26 year hospitality veteran, joined Hilton Hotels in August 2003 as General Manager of the Hilton Melbourne Airport. During his most recent posting as General Manager at the award-wining Hilton Brisbane he also had regional responsibility to support Hilton’s Food & Beverage vision, best practice and brand standards throughout Australasia. Earlier in his career, Michael held management positions in Food & Beverage, Rooms and Sales and Marketing at renowned hotels across Australia.

Stationed at Hilton Melbourne South Wharf with effect from 17th March 2008, Michael will be at the helm of the city’s newest upscale full-service hotel, the only hotel with direct access to the new convention centre - an outstanding advantage in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) segment.

Michael Bourne said, “I look forward to returning to work in Melbourne and managing such a significant development for the city. The Hilton South Wharf will be a world-class hotel with exceptional facilities and unique food and beverage offerings at a unique location that will attract international and domestic business and leisure travellers alike.”

The Hilton South Wharf will comprise 364 guest rooms (including 26 suites and an additional 32 serviced apartments), with an average of 35 sqm for guest rooms and over 71 sqm for suites. With spectacular city skyline and river views, the guest rooms will feature soft tones and striking wood interiors and the latest technology in-room entertainment and communication facilities. An exclusive Executive Club and Lounge complete with private business centre facilities will be available and guests will have access to a state-of-the-art Precor Fitness Centre.

The hotel’s dining experience comprising 3 outlets, will be devised by the Hilton experts responsible for the renowned Zeta bar in Sydney and London, and the Glass Brasserie in Sydney.

Michael Bourne will be succeeded at the Hilton Brisbane by Martin Kendall, with effect from March 2008. An Australian national, Martin Kendall moves to the Hilton Brisbane from the UK, where he currently holds the position of Area General Manager responsible for the South-West UK Hilton hotels based in the Hilton Bath City in England.

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