Name: Kate B.
Position: Director of Operations
Hotel: AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Dream destination: I’ve been lucky enough to travel and see a lot of the world, so next on the list is currently Canada or Italy!   
Drink or treat of choice: Wine! Especially chardonnay or a pinot noir.

Is there such a thing as catching the challenge bug? If there is, Kate has it. Now a Director of Operations — with not much previous experience in Room Operations— at the AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, Kate has dedicated her career to pushing boundaries and seeking out new experiences across various departments within the industry. And it has paid off.    

“I love the diversity of my role and the different teams I get to manage. It keeps every day different and exciting.”   

Kate first started her hotel career journey as a coordinator at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney and quickly worked her way up to Executive Manager. After becoming an expert in the department for four years, Kate’s wanderlust kicked in and she decided to leave and travel around Australia in a campervan.  

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After returning to Marriott and overseeing different teams amid the covid pandemic, she embarked on another adventure; joining the pre-opening team at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne as Director of Events.  

“Once the hotel was open, I was ready for my next challenge and applied for the Director of Operations role at AC Hotel, never actually expecting I would get the job,” she recalls. “They must have seen something in me, as the GM was kind enough to give me a chance even though I did not have extensive rooms experience.”  

In an industry where no two days are the same, Kate is the perfect example of how a love for learning and stepping out of your comfort zone can take you to places and levels of growth you never expected. Keep reading to learn more about this true explorer’s journey, in her own words below.    

How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?  

I’ve had a very fun ride! I really love Marriott and am always encouraging my team members to switch departments to roles that suit their development goals. I’ve been very supported and very lucky with the roles and task force opportunities that have been available to me.   

What mentorship opportunities have you had (as a mentor or mentee), and how have they helped you in your journey?

I have been lucky enough to have a few different mentors, but mostly I am grateful for the relationships I have made throughout my career and my ability to call on those relationships when I have any questions. The only reason I could be successful as a Director of Operations is because I formed strong relationships with Rooms leaders who I can call at any time and know they will assist me and won’t judge me for asking a silly question! I also have a list of leaders who inspire me on speed dial who I call before I make any big life decisions when it comes to my career. Who knows where I would be without them!  

In terms of mentees, I’m currently the lead of the Development Pillar in the Victorian Nextgen Business Council, so am always looking for people I can assist and mentor or people I can partner with other mentors within the Marriott community.  

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?   

Opening The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne was definitely a moment I will never forget. The sleepless nights, the two-week countdown and then the opening day party – it was a blur but such an incredible journey to be a part of. I’ll forever be the first ever Director of Events at that hotel and I’m very proud of the work I put in.   

Any advice for new or incoming Marriott associates?  

Try as many departments as you can until you decide where you belong and then once you decide, don’t be afraid to switch departments when you want to learn more! Never stop learning or get too comfortable in your role.

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