TFE Hotels has made four senior appointments across its network in Australia and New Zealand.
Ajay Vaid has been appointed as regional general manager for Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Vaid previously worked as cluster general manager at Accor, leading the large-scale refurbishment of Novotel Brighton Beach into an MGallery Luxury Collection hotel. The transformation included the launch of Greek restaurant, Ammos, and planning for additional venues as part of the integrated resort.
He has more than 20 years’ experience across resort and corporate hotels, with a proven ability to lead complex portfolios.
Nicole Richards commences as general manager of Adina Adelaide Treasury in mid June. Richards joins the network from Mount Lofty House & Estate in South Australia, where she also worked as general manager.
During her tenure, the property received industry recognition including AHA SA Overall Hotel of the Year for three consecutive years, and was named Tripadvisor’s #1 Luxury Hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in 2025.
Richards brings a mix of commercial capability and operational expertise to the role, with experience across revenue strategy and team leadership.
TFE Hotels New Zealand
Melissa Gosselin has been appointed as cluster general manager, Adina CityLife Wellington and Travelodge Hotel Wellington.
Gosselin returns to TFE with extensive trans-Tasman experience, originally joining the group in 2017 as hotel manager at Adina Perth Barrack Plaza. In 2019, she relocated to New Zealand as general manager of Travelodge Wellington.
Gosselin’s most recent roles were GM of Rarotonga’s The Edgewater Resort & Spa and GM of Quest Apartment Hotels Wellington. She is described as a commercially minded leader with a strong people focus, known for driving operational performance and delivering strong, customer-focused outcomes.
Rick Lee joins TFE Hotels ANZ as hotel manager at Adina Heritage Christchurch.
Based on the South Island, Lee has led hotel operations through refurbishments, brand transitions and complex strata environments.
He brings experience across boutique and branded hotel operations including Accor-branded Breakfree on Cashel and Hotel 21C, and The Wigram Hotel.
“Ajay, Nicole, Melissa and Rick bring operational expertise and a strong track record of leading teams through growth and transformation,” TFE Hotel’s senior director of operations ANZ Tish Nyar said.
“Their experience makes them well placed to support our teams and deliver exceptional guest experiences across our ANZ network.”
