Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of six key team members today, each bringing distinguished expertise in their respective fields to the hotel.

Kate Gerits, General Manager
Leading the team is the general manager, Kate Gerits, who will oversee all hotel operations. Kate commenced her career in hotel operations in 1995 at Holiday Inn Old Sydney and has since worked across various IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) properties including Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Holiday Inn Darwin and the former Holiday Inn Brisbane.
Kate is well-recognised within IHG for her success driving the company’s Priority Club Rewards (PCR) program and she is also the current brand advocate for Holiday Inn Australasia.

Thomas Zinn, Executive Assistant Manager
Bringing over eight years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Thomas Zinn most recently oversaw operations at the Observatory Hotel in Sydney. Thomas has also worked at Sydney’s Sebel Pier One and Harbour Rocks hotels, where he developed a strong knowledge of customer service and operations management.
Thomas will play a pivotal role working alongside Kate in managing the hotel’s day-to-day operations.

Elizabeth West, Crowne Meetings Sales Manager
Elizabeth West joins as the Crowne Meetings Sales Manager with over 18 years’ experience in hospitality. Elizabeth is the former catering sales manager of the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney and also worked as the business development manager for Australian renovation company, Home Projectz.
In her capacity, Elizabeth will play a significant role in securing meeting, wedding and catering business.

David Docherty, Senior Guest Experience Manager, Food & Beverage
Originally from the United Kingdom, David Docherty brings a wealth of experience from leading London restaurants including Chez Gerad and China House. In 2003 he relocated to Australia, and opened his own café, Dark Blue, and more recently was the general manager for ARIA Catering at the Sydney Opera House.
With his strong knowledge of catering and restaurant operations and customer service, David is set to bolster the hotel’s banquet, catering and contemporary dining offering.

Matthew Duggan, Executive Chef
Formerly the executive chef of the Sebel Kirkton Park, Hunter Valley, Matthew Duggan is a passionate epicurean who enjoys cooking and entertaining for friends and family. This will be Matthew’s second executive chef role, and he looks forward to bolstering the culinary offerings at the hotel’s Bluesalt Restaurant & Bar and oceans bar.

Mathew Williams, oceans bar Manager
Mathew Williams joins the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach team from a stint in London, where he was employed as the assistant manager of The Banker pub, part of the Fullers Group. Under his management, the pub experienced sequential record turnovers and Mathew was one of only 11 Fullers Group employees to be accepted into the group’s management training program. Bringing extensive organisational and management skills, Mathew has also previously worked in area sales and bar management positions for the former Sydney Marriot hotel.