IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the leadership team behind the highly anticipated opening of Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, set to welcome guests from 15 September 2025. The dual-branded property marks a major milestone for Melbourne’s hotel scene, bringing fresh energy to the iconic Bourke Street Mall precinct.
The new hotels will be led by an accomplished team of hospitality professionals, many of whom bring deep IHG experience from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe.
At the helm is Scott Hamilton, General Manager for both properties. Scott’s appointment marks a return to Melbourne after more than a decade at InterContinental Wellington, where he served as Director of Human Resources New Zealand and later as General Manager. With over 20 years in the industry and a proven record of operational leadership, Scott is poised to deliver a seamless launch for these flagship properties.
Overseeing commercial strategy and brand positioning is Christine Bridge, Director of Sales & Marketing. Christine has dedicated 11 years to IHG Hotels & Resorts, holding senior roles across sales and marketing. Her deep knowledge of the IHG portfolio and the Melbourne market, as well as having launched a number of hotels in the group, will be instrumental in driving awareness and bookings for both hotels.
Supporting Hamilton in day-to-day operations is Hobin Lee, Hotel Manager. A seasoned operator with extensive IHG experience, Hobin’s focus will be on guest experience, operational efficiency, and team culture across the dual property.
Christine Jones joins as Marketing Manager, bringing a wealth of destination marketing and brand storytelling expertise from her time in the travel and hospitality sector. Christine’s creative vision will help bring to life the unique identities of Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall for both domestic and international travellers.
In the kitchens, Executive Chef Darryl Hand brings more than four decades of culinary experience to his role, with a background spanning luxury hotels, large-scale catering, and fine dining. Chef Hand will oversee the development of distinctive food and beverage offerings that reflect Melbourne’s diverse dining scene.
The broader leadership team includes:
- Chris Mitton – Chief Engineer
- Kristy Mowle – Business Development Director
- Darryl Hand – Executive Chef
- Brianna Murray – Director of Human Resources
- Tarusha Fernando – Front Office Manager
- Benjamin Chen – Finance Manager
- Hobin Lee – Hotel Manager
- Nigel Fallen – Director of Finance and Business Support
- Christine Jones – Marketing Manager
- Scott Hamilton – General Manager
- Dinesh Pai – Food & Beverage Manager
- Christine Bridge – Director of Sales & Marketing
“We’re thrilled to bring together such an experienced, IHG-savvy leadership team to launch these two exciting hotels,” shares Hamilton. “With our combined knowledge of the market, passion for hospitality, we’re confident these properties will set a new standard for Melbourne’s city-centre accommodation.”
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins will deliver a vibrant, design-led experience inspired by the stories of Melbourne’s laneways, while Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall will offer the warm, welcoming service and comfortable stays that the Holiday Inn brand is known for.
Both hotels will open on 15 September 2025, offering travellers two distinctive ways to experience Melbourne’s CBD, united by exceptional service and a prime location in the heart of the city.
