Hilton has appointed respected luxury hotel leader Marlene Poynder as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney.
The hotel marks Waldorf Astoria’s first property in Australia and is set to open in 2027 in Circular Quay.
Poynder brings more than 30 years of experience across the United States and Australasia with a distinguished career leading a number of respected luxury brands.
She has held senior leadership roles at landmark properties including Waldorf Astoria Beijing and Chicago, Park Hyatt Sydney and Conrad New York Downtown. Most recently, Poynder served as managing director of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York.
In her role, Poynder will spearhead the hotel’s pre-opening strategy, leading team building and capability development, shaping the property’s distinctive service culture and overseeing all elements of operational readiness and launch execution.
“We are delighted to welcome Marlene back to Hilton and to Australia as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney,” said area vice president and head of Australasia Hilton, Paul Hutton.
“Marlene is a highly respected leader with an exceptional track record of guiding iconic luxury hotels in some of the world’s most competitive markets. As an Australian and with a deep connection to the Waldorf Astoria brand coupled with a strong understanding of this region, she is uniquely positioned to lead this landmark hotel as we prepare for Waldorf Astoria’s highly anticipated debut in Australia.”
Poynder said that she was honoured to lead the brand’s Sydney debut.
“Waldorf Astoria is a brand defined by legacy, elegance and a deep sense of place. To be entrusted with introducing Waldorf Astoria Sydney is both an honour and a responsibility,” she said.
“I look forward to working with our partners and team members to create a hotel that feels distinctly Sydney, while remaining unmistakably Waldorf Astoria.”
