Minor Hotels Unveils New Leadership Strategy for Avani Singapore Hotel Ahead of Landmark Opening

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group, has appointed Judd Rabbidge as the General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel, marking an important leadership step ahead of the property’s planned opening in the second quarter of 2027. The upcoming hotel will become Minor Hotels’ first property in Singapore, expanding the group’s presence in one of Asia’s most competitive and fast-growing hospitality markets.

Rabbidge joins Avani Singapore Hotel after serving as General Manager of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, a role he took on after joining Minor Hotels in July 2024. His move reflects the company’s focus on internal leadership development while bringing experienced hospitality professionals into key pre-opening and expansion projects.

In his new position, Rabbidge will oversee the preparation and launch of Avani Singapore Hotel, using his extensive experience in opening and managing lifestyle and luxury hospitality properties. His background includes expertise in resort operations, business strategy, guest experience development and commercial performance, which will support the hotel’s positioning before its official debut.

An Australian hospitality professional, Rabbidge brings more than two decades of international experience across major tourism markets, including Australia, the Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji and Europe. His career has covered a wide range of hospitality environments, from luxury resorts to large-scale urban hotels, giving him a broad understanding of global traveller expectations and evolving market trends.

Before joining Minor Hotels, Rabbidge played a key role in the opening of W Sydney, where he served as Hotel Manager during the pre-opening phase and launch of the 588-room property. The hotel became the largest W Hotel worldwide, providing him with valuable experience in managing complex openings, operational planning and brand delivery.

Rabbidge holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Hospitality, Tourism and Business Management from the Pacific International Hotel Management School in New Plymouth, New Zealand. With his combination of academic knowledge, international experience and pre-opening expertise, he will lead the preparations for Avani Singapore Hotel as Minor Hotels continues to strengthen its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Asia.

From 2018 to 2022, Rabbidge was Director of Sales and Marketing at W Bali – Seminyak. His career also includes operational leadership roles at other Marriott properties in the region and senior management positions with Mantra Group, providing a foundation across hotel operations, revenue generation and brand positioning.

In his new role, Rabbidge will lead the pre-opening and launch of Avani Singapore Hotel, with responsibility for team recruitment and development, operational readiness, commercial strategy and guest experience. He will work closely with Minor Hotels’ regional and corporate teams to establish the hotel’s market positioning and bring Avani’s focus on smart design, upbeat service and good value to life in Singapore.

”Having led Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, I am excited to take on a new challenge with the brand in Singapore. My priority is to build a strong team and create a hotel experience that reflects both Avani’s personality and the character of the city. Singapore is a competitive hospitality market, and we have an opportunity to offer a fresh perspective through thoughtful design, genuine service and a strong connection to the destination.Judd Rabbidge, General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel”

Rabbidge earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Hospitality, Tourism and Business Management from the Pacific International Hotel Management School in New Plymouth, New Zealand, building a strong academic foundation for his international hospitality career.