NEW BOSS FOR SURFERS PARADISE HILTON

CHRIS Partridge will take over as general manager of Surfers Paradise Hilton, following the departure David Kelly (pictured).

Kelly, who was founding general manager of the hotel, has taken the role of regional general manager, North China at Beijing.

Partridge comes with a wealth of experience, having spent 23 years with Hilton Worldwide, including time in London, Sydney, Melbourne and most recently New Zealand, where he was general manager Hilton Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo.

“Hilton Surfers Paradise is a destination unto itself. I am delighted to be able to continue the hotel’s success into 2013 and beyond,” he says.

Kelly says the Surfers Paradise destination has achieved a fundamental change in landscape since his appointment mid last year.

“It has been a privilege to be part of the opening of Hilton Surfers Paradise, a landmark project which continues to lead the way in terms of innovation and sophistication,” says Kelly.

“Our hotel has performed exceptionally well in 2012, often out performing our competitors, and early signs are already very positive for 2013."

Kelly is a former board member at Surfers Paradise Alliance and says the precinct has a fresh new level of appeal.

“The foreshore redevelopment, Cavil mall upgrade, High Street Retail, Soul and Hilton Surfers Paradise are all fantastic reasons for locals and visitors to rediscover Surfers
Paradise.”

Kelly will have responsibility for eleven hotels in Northern China.

“I can confidently say the development rate in China is unparalleled anywhere around the globe, and I again have the opportunity to be part of something exciting and unique," he says.