New general manager for Eichardt’s in Queenstown

26 November 2012

New general manager for Eichardt’s in Queenstown

A multi award-winning collection of luxury properties in Queenstown has welcomed a new general manager.

James Cavanagh is taking the helm at Eichardt’s Private Hotel – flagship property of the Eichardt’s Collection which also includes Eichardt’s Bar, Eichardt’s Lakefront Apartments and the Eichardt’s Residence.

He takes over from Chris McIntosh – Eichardt’s GM for the last 18 months – who is leaving to take up a new position as Group General Manager of Blackstone Hospitality in Auckland.

Originally from Auckland, Mr Cavanagh has over 15 years’ experience in premium and luxury hotels, having worked in hospitality in Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

Before accepting the position at Eichardt’s he was with Rydges Hotels and Resorts Group, where he was most recently General Manager of the 70-room Rydges North Melbourne. He has also been Business Development Manager for the Windsor Hotel and Grand Chancellor Hotel, both in Melbourne.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with the great team at Eichardt’s”, said Mr Cavanagh. “Not only is Queenstown an iconic national and international tourist destination, but Eichardt’s is an iconic luxury property.

“Chris McIntosh has done a tremendous job, and I’m keen to build on his efforts and successes and take Eichardt’s to the next level in terms of productivity.”

Mr Cavanagh said the move from Melbourne to Queenstown would be “a complete lifestyle change” for himself and his family. With wife Jo and daughters Phoebe (7) and Scarlett (3), he said he was looking forward to the outdoor pursuits Queenstown Lakes has to offer. He is also an ardent rugby enthusiast, coaching, refereeing and playing the game.

“I’ll be digging out my rugby boots, hoping to do some training with the Wakatipu team,” he said.

Eichardt’s owners Andrew and Sarah Cox said they were “extremely pleased” with Mr Cavanagh’s appointment, and said they wished Mr McIntosh well.

“We very much appreciate all that Chris has achieved at Eichardt’s, particularly in his contribution to putting Eichardt’s on a sustainable growth path,” said Mr Cox.

Mr Cavanagh has started his new role today (Monday November 26) and is working through a handover period with Mr McIntosh to ensure a seamless transition for staff and suppliers.

The Eichardt’s Collection has notched up several awards over the past 18 months, making it the most awarded small luxury hotel group in New Zealand.

Its most recent accolades include being nominated for Hotel of the Year in the New Zealand Travel Industry Awards and the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and being named in the list of Top Ten Honeymoon destinations in the world by Real Weddings magazine.

Earlier this year, high-end influential UK magazine Tatler named Queenstown’s Eichardt’s Private Hotel one of the world’s best hotels in its highly coveted annual travel guide, and The Times newspaper of London named Eichardt’s Bar one of the ‘Top ten bars In the world with a view’.

Offering luxury private retreats in the heart of New Zealand’s premier four-season destination, the Eichardt’s properties are all just a few steps from the lakefront and surrounded by glorious vistas of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Bay and snow-capped mountain ranges.

Reservations for accommodation bookings are essential by calling Eichardt’s Private Hotel on +64 3 441 0450 or going online at www.eichardts.com.

ENDS

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