Australia’s Iconic Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort Begins New Era With Major Hospitality Leadership Shake-Up

Written By: Subhankar Chakraborty

Subhankar Chakraborty

I'm a content writer with a strong foundation in psychology and a passion for the travel and hospitality industry. Beyond timely reporting and contemporary narratives I bring a unique perspective to content creation, crafting stories that not only inform but also connect with readers on a deeper emotional level. I combine meticulous research, accuracy and compelling storytelling to deliver authentic, engaging and insightful content for a global audience.

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September 2, 2026 6:18 AM |

Australia’s iconic InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort has entered a new phase with a major hospitality leadership shake-up designed to strengthen its future operations and guest experience. Five senior appointments have been announced across key areas of the resort, including management, operations, food and beverage, housekeeping and human resources.

The leadership changes bring together professionals with extensive experience across international luxury hotels, resorts, aviation and remote operations. As InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort continues its journey, the newly appointed team is positioned to support service excellence, operational standards and the continued development of this renowned Australian destination.

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort Strengthens Leadership Structure for Future Growth

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort has strengthened its senior leadership structure with the appointment of five experienced professionals across its core operational divisions. The changes have been introduced as part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences in Australia.

The newly formed leadership team covers essential areas of resort management, ensuring that guest services, operational performance and internal functions are supported by experienced specialists. The appointments include a new general manager, director of operations, food and beverage manager, executive housekeeper and human resources leader.

The resort’s leadership expansion reflects a focus on bringing together diverse expertise from luxury hospitality, aviation and large-scale operational environments. Each appointment has added significant professional experience to the resort’s management framework.

Stewart Manson Appointed General Manager With Extensive IHG Experience

Stewart Manson has been appointed as the new general manager of InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort, bringing 16 years of experience with IHG to the role.

Before taking up his latest position, Manson served as general manager at Crowne Plaza Queenstown in New Zealand. During his tenure, he was responsible for leading a high-performing team while achieving strong commercial and guest experience results.

His appointment places him at the centre of the resort’s next chapter, where he will oversee the broader direction of operations and leadership activities. The experience gained through his previous IHG roles provides a strong foundation for guiding the resort’s hospitality approach.

Manson will work alongside the newly appointed senior team, which has been assembled to support the resort’s operational priorities and service delivery standards.

Experienced Hospitality Professionals Join Key Operational Roles

Kate Rodionova has stepped into the position of director of operations, bringing more than 15 years of luxury hospitality experience from internationally recognised hotels and resorts. She joins InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort from InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, where she served as executive assistant manager, resort operations.

Her background in resort operations is expected to support the continued management of daily guest services and operational functions.

Grigory Rodionova has been appointed food and beverage manager, taking responsibility for restaurants, bars, in-room dining and events. His international career has included hospitality roles across Europe, North America, the Maldives and Australia, with a focus on team development and operational excellence.

Together, these appointments strengthen the hospitality expertise available across the resort’s guest-facing departments.

Housekeeping and Human Resources Leadership Receive New Appointments

Wayne Weller has been named executive housekeeper at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort, bringing experience from both aviation and hospitality sectors.

Weller spent almost two decades with Qantas before moving into hospitality through The Star Gold Coast. He later joined Hayman, first working as chief concierge and then progressing to facility operations manager. In his previous position, he managed a 150-member public area cleaning and laundry team.

Chantel Schroeder has been appointed to lead human resources at the resort. Her professional background includes luxury hospitality at sea and leadership experience within the Bowen Basin mining sector.

Her expertise includes organisational transformation, talent strategy, employee relations and HR technology, particularly within remote operating environments. The appointment adds further capability to the resort’s internal culture and workforce management.

New Leadership Team Set to Guide Australia’s Luxury Resort Experience

General manager Stewart Manson highlighted that the combined expertise of the newly appointed leadership group reflected the ambition of InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort as it moves forward.

He stated that the new leadership team represented a combination of proven experience, different perspectives and a strong commitment to service excellence. According to Manson, the group has an opportunity to build on the resort’s established history while creating memorable experiences for guests.

The leadership appointments represent a significant development for the Australia-based resort, bringing together specialists from multiple hospitality and operational backgrounds.

With expertise spanning luxury accommodation, food and beverage, resort management, workforce development and guest services, the team will oversee key areas of the property’s operations.

Conclusion

InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort has begun a new era with the appointment of five senior leaders across essential hospitality functions. The Australia resort has strengthened its management structure by bringing together professionals with experience across luxury hotels, resorts, aviation and remote operations.

The leadership changes cover general management, operations, food and beverage, housekeeping and human resources. With Stewart Manson leading the team, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort is supported by a group focused on maintaining service standards and enhancing guest experiences.