The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne has announced the appointment of Rachael Harman as the hotel’s new General Manager. A seasoned and passionate hotelier, Rachael brings over 20 years of industry experience to the role. With a reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and strong commercial results, Rachael has worked in senior management roles across luxury hotel brands in Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
Says Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, for Marriott International, “We are thrilled to have Rachael return to Marriott International. With her extensive international and domestic knowledge of the luxury hospitality landscape, Rachael is exceptionally well placed to take the helm of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, delivering guests the world-class experiences it is known for.”
Rachael’s career in hospitality was, as she describes it, a natural progression from growing up in a family that owned a wedding business in Adelaide. Her first role was, aptly, at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, a Marriott International property. Building her career in Sales and Marketing in Melbourne and New Zealand, she moved in 2010 to Malaysia to join The Westin Kuala Lumpur, where she held various leadership roles before being appointed Hotel Manager. Rachael’s first General Manager role was at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu in 2016, followed by Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa in 2019. Returning to Australia in 2021, Rachael was appointed General Manager of Sofitel Adelaide, then in 2023 she moved into her most recent role as the General Manager of Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
As the new General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, Rachael will be responsible for enhancing the hotel’s operational and commercial performance whilst leading and developing the hotel’s highly skilled management and service team. Training and development are a core focus for Rachael, and throughout her extensive career with Marriott, Rachael has participated in the Women In Leadership Ambassador program, supporting female employees to achieve their full potential through coaching, mentorship and networking. A committed industry advocate, Rachael also currently sits on the ICHM Academic Board, working to support the future tourism and hospitality workforce.
Says Rachael, “The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is Australia’s leading luxury hotel, an iconic landmark for hospitality and exceptional service soaring 80 stories in the sky. I am honoured to be leading this talented team on their next chapter, enhancing operational and commercial performance whilst creating memories for each and every guest. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and indeed this industry bring together all of my passions; gastronomy and fine wine, design, travel, meeting new people every day and above all, success as a team.”
