AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast has announced the leadership team, bringing together leading hospitality experts ahead of opening its doors on Monday 14 December 2026.
The hotel, set along the Nerang River, will be led by Ravinder Dhesi, serving as Multi-Property General Manager for both AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast and JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. With close to three decades of hospitality experience, Ravinder brings a wealth of operational and leadership expertise to the role, having held senior positions across several renowned properties, including Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas and Denarau Golf Club.
Ravinder will oversee the two Gold Coast properties, bringing together his experience in hotel operations and guest experience as AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast prepares to welcome its first guests.
Shaping the food offering is Director of Culinary, Paul Smart, who also works across JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. With a career spanning world-class hotels in London, Bangkok and Vietnam, Paul brings an international perspective shaped by years of working across diverse culinary destinations.
Now back home on the Gold Coast, Paul draws on his global experience to inform his approach to food and dining. Bringing flavours, techniques and inspiration gathered throughout his career. His role will span Rivo Gold Coast Restaurant & Bar, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired dining venue, alongside the property’s wider food and beverage offering.
Kerry Fowler, Director of Sales and Distribution, joins the multi-property leadership team working across the launch of AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast and the existing JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Kerry has extensive experience within the hospitality industry and proven success in delivering commercial results, underpinned by people-focused leadership and innovative operational strategies.
Laura Wiersma, Multi-Property Director of Marketing, will lead the marketing strategy across both properties, overseeing the launch of AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast while continuing to drive the success of JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. With extensive experience in luxury hospitality marketing across the Asia-Pacific region, Laura brings a collaborative leadership style, commercial focus, and passion for creating memorable brand experiences.
Also joining the multi-property leadership team overseeing the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast and working across JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa are Natalie Cresswell, Operations Manager; Josh Katz, Multi-Property Director of Engineering; Tushar Gupta, Multi-Property Director of Finance; and Erika Nicoli, Multi-Property Director of Human Resources.
Ravinder Dhesi said: “As we prepare to welcome our first guests in December, I look forward to working alongside this exceptional team to bring the AC Hotel vision to life through Perfectly Precise hospitality. Every detail is thoughtfully considered so our guests can simply enjoy their stay. Together, we are excited to embark on this journey as we introduce AC Hotels to the Gold Coast.”
The appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the hotel as it prepares to open, bringing together significant expertise across hotel operations, culinary, and marketing to support the introduction of the first AC Hotel in Queensland and the second in Australia, following the opening of AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank in 2022.
Owned by KS Hotels & Resorts and operated under Marriott International, the hotel is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and conversion ahead of its opening. Its arrival will add to Marriott International’s existing Gold Coast portfolio, which includes JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast.
AC Hotel by Marriott Gold Coast will offer 204 guest rooms, alongside dining, leisure and meeting facilities. Set along the Nerang River, the hotel will offer a beautifully unique perspective on the classic Gold Coast hotel, balancing proximity to the energy of Surfers Paradise with riverfront views.
