Future ready
The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa – FEDHASA – has made several high profile appointments to its board, including the creation of a new position of Head of Strategic Projects with the aim of creating new revenue streams for the association.
Caleb Mabaso, who has been appointed Head of Strategic Projects, brings with him extensive experience in relevant sectors. He has been in HR in leading hotel groups; he held the position of Chairman of CATHSSETA until April 2011; he was also Chairman of the FEDHASA Inland region; and has been MD of his own consulting company for six years. Mabaso says, “FEDHASA’s remodelling to create a new revenue stream landscape enables a process of identifying opportunities for innovative projects and programmes that are sustainable in essence as well as for FEDHASA and will add value to our members of the association.”
Eddy Khosa, Chairman of FEDHASA, comments, “Caleb, who is a past chair of the Inland region, by far the biggest region within FEDHASA, brings huge value and experience to the role of head of strategic projects. He sat on the CATHSSETA board and has a vast skills and knowledge base from which FEDHASA can draw value.”
Schalk Cilliers, who is Executive Director of ATKV, has been appointed Chairman of the Inland region, which includes Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo. Cilliers says that in these difficult economic times, it will be more important than ever for FEDHASA to secure benefits for its members, while also broadening the type of benefits that are sourced. He believes that improved communication among the different stakeholders related to FEDHASA will have a positive effect on relations and will be beneficial to members.
Michelè de Witt has been appointed Chairperson of the Cape region, including Western and Northern Cape. De Witt is a director of Horwath HTL South Africa, an independent member firm of Crowe Horwath International’s Hotel, Tourism and Leisure Group, responsible for all hotel, tourism, and leisure consulting in South Africa and the rest of the African continent.
Mike Jackson, Tsogo Sun’s Operations Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Region, has been elected Chairman of FEDHASA’s East Coast Region, which includes KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. He was previously Vice-Chairman of the East Coast Region and has also held the position of President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and served for four years as Chairman of the DCCI Tourism Committee. Jackson is wholly committed to grow tourism in his region through bringing both business and leisure guests to the area. “I’m excited about the challenge and plan to take FEDHASA East Coast to another level in that we are planning to grow membership and give members even more benefits, making the association more attractive than ever.”
Charles Preece has been appointed to the permanent position of FEDHASA’s Operations Manager for the East Coast region, covering both the Eastern Cape and KZN. Preece comes from a 26 year background in the hotel industry, many of them as GM for various groups. Preece is new to the FEDHASA board and is enthusiastic about his role as a facilitator on behalf of industry and the FEDHASA membership, advocating at government and industry level to ensure the members benefit from various interventions.
“This new board represents a powerful cross-section of our industry. Each of the board members and new appointments bring with them strong positions in the industry, as well as a wealth of knowledge, skills, and insight into our dynamic industry, that will stand FEDHASA in excellent stead as it embraces the challenges of the future,” says Khosa. “We join as an association in congratulating each one on their new positions and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labours on behalf of FEDHASA in the near future.”
New to the Cape Grace
Cape Grace has appointed Philma Gomes as Director of Sales & Marketing. Philma, who has gained a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, will be responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s Sales and Marketing Strategy including Local and International Sales, Revenue Management, Reservations, Digital, PR, and Brand Management.
The independently managed and owned Cape Grace, which was recently voted number 2 of the 25 Best Hotels in the world in the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, has held pride of place on its own quay in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for the past 16 years.
“Everything I have achieved in my career thus far has prepared me for this new role, the vision to create a hotel unlike any other. In a world that is increasingly detached and impersonal, the Cape Grace environment is rare with its understated elegance, and a genuine passion to delight. ” says Philma.
As per Sandy Pollard, General Manager “Philma’s considerable experience and market insights will provide the strategic direction to take Cape Grace into the next exciting phase of our development and we are excited to have her on-board. ”
HTI’s new CEO
Hospitality Technology International (HTI), one of the leading African developers of software for hotels and lodges, has announced the appointment of a new CEO. The appointment of Raymond Deftereos will be effective from the 2nd April.
James Montgomery, the founder of HTI – and current managing director – will assume the post of chairman as of the 2nd April.
The new Chief Executive, Raymond Deftereos, brings vast experience in terms of running large commercial operations. One of his most recent appointments was as Divisional Director at Gijima.
Said Montgomery: “Ray will bring some innovative ideas and exciting strategies to take HTI to the next level of growth in Africa and internationally.”
Montgomery has been at the helm of HTI since the company was formed in 1990. He describes the move as the most exciting strategic decision taken by the company since its creation.
The company supplies its flagship eRes software to over 90 hospitality-focused groups, spanning more than 2500 properties globally. The software – a web-based application that interfaces seamlessly with most major property management systems, local travel agents, tour operators and global marketing portals –is said to be the most widely used CRS in Africa.
All the way to the top
Hilton Cape Town City Centre has promoted one of its most experienced industry professionals, Andy Lee, to lead its food and beverage offering at the hotel.
Lee was Executive Chef at the hotel for two years and, for the time being, will combine his new role with the position of head chef.
Markus Fritz, general manager at Hilton Cape Town City Centre said, “Andy has a proven track record within the hospitality industry and a huge passion for service and all things culinary. Andy’s knowledge and creativity with food coupled with his hotel experience will provide a major boost to our restaurants and bars including Signal Hill Terrace and Bistro 126.”
