Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton, the first internationally branded hotel in the suburb, has opened its doors.
Melbourne’s latest IHG property comes backed by a leadership team that combines international experience with local understanding.
Heading up the team is general manager Anne Marie Lennon, whose career spans more than 30 years across the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Lennon has held managerial roles at major accommodation brands like Accor Hospitality and The Lancemore Group and will focus on creating a hotel experience that feels grounded in place.
Director of marketing Mark Smith also brings extensive experience across major global brands and other IHG properties, including InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. Smith will ensure the property connects with visitors and locals in a way that feels natural to Carlton.
Director of sales Louise Pyne joins the team from Crowne Plaza Melbourne. At the new Carlton outpost, Pyne will continue to build relationships across the city and work closely with local partners and businesses.
Behind the scenes, HR manager Dora Longmuir will shape the culture of the hotel, building a team that reflects Carlton’s energy, diversity and community spirit.
Christopher McNally has been appointed as Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton’s food and beverage manager, working alongside executive chef Patrick Chung.
Heading up culinary services at the hotel’s Fico Restaurant and Bar, the pair have crafted a menu centred on seasonal produce and generous share plates that reflect Carlton’s Italian heritage.
The wider leadership team includes front office manager Eric Thanh Vu, cluster manager of finance and business support Sarah Wu and housekeeping manager Carmela Tomarchio.
Carlton goes global
While Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton is the first global hotel brand to open in the Melbourne suburb, GM Anne Marie Lennon said that she hopes to make the property a seamless addition to the neighbourhood.
“Carlton already has such a strong identity, and we see ourselves as part of that. For us, it’s about creating a place where guests can experience the neighbourhood properly, but also somewhere locals can drop in, meet, dine or spend time,” she said.
