Cape Town, South Africa – 2 October 2024: Marriott International has bolstered its leadership across several hotels in South Africa with the appointment of several general managers. This move aligns with the company’s ongoing commitment to provide long-term career prospects for its employees, ensuring sustained growth in one of its most dynamic markets.

To maintain its position as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry, Marriott is leaning on experienced leaders to drive operational excellence and enhance guest experiences.

“These appointments reflect Marriott’s focus on developing internal talent to support our expanding operations across the African continent,” says Benjamin Memani, Marriott International Area Director of HR, Sub-Saharan Africa. “Each individual brings with them extensive experience and a passion for the hospitality industry, and their expertise will be key in supporting the ongoing success at these hotels.

“We are particularly proud to appoint Kirsty Jamieson, Charmaine April, and Leanka Petrella as first-time General Managers. Their appointments also underscore our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly in advancing female leadership within the hospitality industry.”

New Appointments:

• Kirsty Jamieson - General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott Nelspruit
  Jamieson has been with Protea Hotels by Marriott for over a decade, having served in roles such as Business Optimisation Manager and Front Office Manager. Most recently, she was the Operations Manager at Protea Hotel Nelspruit.  Jamieson was recognised for her contributions to the industry when she received the prestigious 2023 FEDHASA Young Professional of the Year Award for Southern Africa.

• Charmaine April - General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott North Wharf, Cape Town
  April’s career with Protea Hotels by Marriott spans more than a decade. Starting as a Receptionist at Protea Hotel by Marriott Tyger Valley, she rose through the ranks, gaining valuable experience Khulanathi, Marriott International’s Leadership Development Programme.

• Jeremy Govender - General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott Sea Point
  Govender’s 25 years of hospitality experience includes internships at Cape Grace and Ambassador Hotel. He has held senior roles at various Marriott properties, including Protea Hotel by Marriott Breakwater Lodge, Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers and Arabella Hotel & Spa. Most recently, Govender served as General Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Saldanha Bay, General Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Durbanville, and Operations Manager for BON Hotels.

• Conrad Jonck - General Manager, Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
  Jonck began with Marriott in 2002, progressing from a Sous Chef to an Executive Chef at Protea Hotel by Marriott King George. His career path evolved as he gained valuable Rooms Division experience, holding positions at various properties, including Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town and the Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers. In 2016, Jonck was appointed General Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Cape Castle, before taking on the same role at Protea Hotel by Marriott North Wharf in 2020.

• Leanka Petrella - General Manager, Protea Hotel by Marriott George King George
  Petrella has held diverse roles across multiple departments at Protea Hotels by Marriott, including Assistant Housekeeper, Sous Chef, and Reservations Manager. She also played a key role in launching Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town and Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge before pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. After five years of success in the culinary world, she returned to Protea Hotels by Marriott, where she took on several roles, most recently managing Sales, Revenue and Marketing at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Umhlanga Ridge.

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About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy^®, its highly awarded travel program.  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.