5 Star Conversation with Simon McGrath AM - Navigating a Three-Decade Journey in Hospitality Leadership

Join us for a compelling conversation with Simon McGrath AM, one of Australia’s most accomplished Hoteliers as he reflects on three decades of experience. From the changing landscape of technology to envisioning the future of hotels, Simon shares invaluable insights for industry professionals and aspiring leaders alike. Discover the key elements that contribute to a successful career in hospitality and gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic evolution in the industry. Don't miss this engaging discussion on leadership, innovation, and the exciting future of hospitality. Simon recounts his initial experiences working in pubs and hotels, starting from menial tasks in a pub at a young age, to his first hotel job in the laundry department at the Boulevard Hotel. Simon discusses his career progression through various roles, including a management traineeship with Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation and significant positions with Rydges Hotels and Resorts and Accor in the Pacific region. Simon and Brendon also delve into the evolution of the hotel industry, emphasizing the critical role of technology in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. He sees technology not as a replacement for human interaction but as a complement that enhances service delivery. Simon stresses the importance of adapting to changes in the industry and preparing for future trends, such as the increasing integration of lifestyle elements in hotels and the need for hotels to be agile in their technological advancements. Additionally, he offers advice to those aspiring to join the hotel industry, advocating for a strong educational foundation and the value of travel in enriching one's perspective and skills in hospitality. Simon McGrath - Bio Simon McGrath is one of Australia’s most accomplished Hoteliers over the past 30 years, having helped grow Accor to almost 400 hotels across the region and leading a team of over 18,000 employees. He has been a multi-winner of the Australasian Hotelier of the Year at the HM Awards, has championed industry with local, state and federal governments and also recently served as Vice President of the Accommodation Association of Australia. He has over three decades of experience in the hotel sector and served for 16 years as the head of Accor in the Pacific region following senior leadership roles with Southern Pacific Hotels and Rydges Hotels and Resorts. Simon is also a recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the promotion of Australian tourism internationally, an accolade bestowed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 2019. Contact Details for Brendon: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendongranger Phone +61 2 8317 4000