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Hospitality group Crystalbrook has appointed Geoff York (pictured) as CEO, with the new boss hoping to elevate the company's commitment to sustainability.
York brings more than 35 years of experience in general and regional management to the table, with previous appointments across the Asia Pacific region with Accor, Hilton and Event Hospitality & Entertainment.
The new CEO, who was previously appointed as Crystalbrook's interim CEO, is also a national board member of Tourism Accommodation Australia - a peak body of the hospitality.
York joined Cystalbrook as group director of hotels back in July 2017. As a founding member of the Company, hje has driven the development of the Crystalbrook brand, led five Crystalbrook hotel openings and acquisitions and is responsible for the strategic growth plan and direction of the Group.
Crystalbrook currently operates five hotels in Australia, including Little Albion in Sydney and Byron at Byron. A sixth hotel in Newcastle is expected to open in the second quarter of this year.
The group also owns and operates a collection of 10 restaurants, three spas, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas, along with Crystalbrook Station in Far North Queensland (FNQ) and its subsidiary pastoral businesses.
"I look forward to driving Crystalbrook to further becoming a thought leader on sustainable luxury hospitality in Australia," York said.
"Travelling with a lighter environmental footprint must be at the forefront of everything we do.
"For Crystalbrook, this is all about empowering all our staff to think environmentally, acting smarter to create less waste such as the removal of plastics, embracing renewable resources, running paperless teams and working with local suppliers to reduce our carbon impact."
As CEO, York will continue to seek out opportunities for additional hotels to join the Crystalbrook portfolio and be responsible for the opening of Crystalbrook's 5-star Kingsley in Newcastle and the acquisition of Fantauzzo in Brisbane.
Crystalbrook owner Ghassan Aboud said York has been an "instrumental" member of the hospitality company's team.
"Geoff has built a strong management team, he has been instrumental in developing the brand and acquiring new hotels and he has successfully navigated Crystalbrook through one of the most challenging years for the industry, which has him perfectly positioned to continue our expansion across Australia and beyond," Aboud said.
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