Marriott International Inc. has appointed Krister Svensson as general manager at W Melbourne as well as multi-property vice president, Luxury Hotels Australia.
In the newly created dual role, Svensson will oversee operations at W Melbourne whilst leading all luxury general managers in Australia to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences for guests.
Reporting to Sean Hunt, area VP – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Svensson will have oversight of luxury properties in Australia, including the Ritz-Carlton and W Hotel brands.
The appointment coincides with a focus on luxury expansion for Marriott, particularly in the Asia Pacific, where the luxury segment is intrinsic to operations, accounting for a third of Marriott International’s luxury hotels and over half of Marriott’s global pipeline.
A seasoned hotelier, Svensson brings more than thirty years experience in the hospitality industry across the Middle East, Pacific and Asia, specialising in luxury hotels.
His career with Marriott International started in 2002 as a general manager in Le Meridien Commodore Beirut and he has since led the hotel teams at The Westin Resort Guam, W Hong Kong, St. Regis Bangkok, W Singapore Sentosa Cove and most recently, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park where Svensson has overseen all operations since 2019.
“We congratulate Krister Svensson on his appointment and have the utmost trust in his ability to lead our team of Associates at W Melbourne and across our Australian luxury portfolio,” area VP (AU/NZ/Pacific), Marriot International, Sean Hunt, said.
“Luxury hotels drive our highest profit margins and account for a significant portion of our group revenue, and as such are a major component of our expansion strategy.
Svensson brings his extensive General Management expertise to W Melbourne where he will lead the team in reinvigorating the hotel as it prepares for a resurgence in business and leisure travel.
“I look forward to finessing the operations at W Melbourne establishing the hotel as a benchmark for our other luxury hotels,” he said upon appointment.
“Melbourne enjoys a reputation as Australia’s food and culture capital, and W Melbourne’s four incredible dining outlets present an opportunity to even further elevate the excellent position we’ve been able to retain for the hotel.
“With Warabi’s continued critical acclaim, the development of culinary talent in Lollo, and Curious remaining on the lists of best bars in Australia, we’re well poised to become one of Melbourne’s biggest players in luxury hospitality.”
Svensson will also work closely with leaders across Marriott’s Australian hotels to continue driving Marriott’s legacy in luxury.
“Marriott International are masters of luxury,” he continued.
“We are the global leaders because of our commitment to improving our standards, and our excellent custodianship of the brands we have, from The Ritz-Carlton to W Hotels.
“Our focus will be on maintaining our strong collection of core luxury hotels to ensure that our 190 million global Marriott Bonvoy Members are able to go anywhere in the world and have a consistent luxury experience.”
Marriott currently operates 9 luxury properties in Australia, most recently having opened W Sydney in October this year and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne in March, with plans to expand the luxury portfolio with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast and The St. Regis Gold Coast in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
