InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef Resort today announced a series of senior leadership appointments, bringing together an experienced team to guide the resort into its next phase of growth and guest experience excellence.
The appointments span every core area of the resort’s operation – from general management and rooms division through to food and beverage, human resources and operational oversight – reflecting a coordinated investment in leadership depth as Hayman looks ahead to its next chapter.
The new leadership team comprises:
- Stewart Manson – General Manager – With 16 years of experience at IHG, he has held leadership positions across the region, including in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Most recently, he served as General Manager at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, New Zealand, for six years, where he led a high-performing team to strong commercial and guest experience results. He is passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences, and is committed to empowering teams to deliver genuine, personalised service while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.
- Kate Rodionova – Director of Operations – Kate brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality experience across globally recognised hotels and resorts. She joined Hayman from InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, where she was Executive Assistant Manager, Resort Operations. Known for her hands-on leadership and focus on empowered teams, Kate is passionate about pairing operational excellence with genuine, personalised guest experiences.
- Grigory Rodionova – F&B Manager – Grigory oversees Hayman’s food and beverage operations across restaurants, bars, in-room dining and events. He brings an extensive international background across Europe, North America, the Maldives and Australia, with a focus on team development and operational excellence. Grigory is passionate about creating dining experiences that reflect Hayman’s unique character and deliver genuine, lasting hospitality.
- Wayne Weller – Executive Housekeeper – Wayne brings a diverse background spanning aviation and hospitality. After a long career with Qantas, he moved into hospitality via The Star Gold Coast, before joining Hayman as Chief Concierge and later Facility Operations Manager, leading a 150-strong Public Area Cleaning and Laundry team.
- Chantel Schroeder – Chantel leads HR at Hayman, bringing the right people to paradise and shaping a culture as exceptional as the guest experience. Her background spans luxury hospitality at sea to high-performance culture in the Bowen Basin mining sector, with strong expertise in organisational transformation, talent strategy, employee relations and HR technology across remote operations. She believes great businesses are built by great people, and is passionate about creating workplaces where teams thrive and leaders are empowered.
Speaking on the appointments, General Manager Stewart Manson said the strength and breadth of experience across the new team reflected the ambition Hayman holds for its future.
“With InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef embarking on this transformative new journey, I am thrilled to introduce a leadership group of such profound expertise. Every member offers demonstrated command, a distinct viewpoint, and a sincere dedication to the art of service. Collectively, we possess a remarkable chance to enhance the resort’s storied history, deliver unparalleled moments for our guests, and define a vibrant path forward.”
Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef
Managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef reopened in 2019 after a $135 million dollar refurbishment. Nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday Islands, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef boasts 182 guest rooms, suites, villas, and residences, five restaurants and bars, 15+ event venues, and two stunning swimming pools.
This year marks a significant milestone with the resort’s name change from InterContinental Hayman Island Resort to InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef – celebrating its connection to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
