Hilton names inaugural Waldorf Astoria Sydney GM

Hilton has named the General Manager for its first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Australia as Marlene Poynder. A globally respected luxury hospitality leader, Poynder brings more than 30 years of international experience across the USA, Asia and Australasia as the inaugural GM of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, now confirmed to open in 2027.

Most recently, Poynder served as Managing Director of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, where she led a thoughtful evolution of the guest experience. She also held senior leadership roles at landmark properties including Waldorf Astoria Beijing and Chicago, Conrad New York Downtown, and Park Hyatt Sydney, earning a reputation for translating storied luxury brands into culturally resonant destinations.

Waldorf Astoria Sydney, slated to open in early 2027

In her role at Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Poynder will lead the hotel’s end-to-end pre‑opening strategy, spearheading team building and capability development, shaping a distinctive service culture, and overseeing all elements of operational readiness and launch execution to ensure a successful market debut.

“We are delighted to welcome Marlene back to Hilton and to Australia as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney,” said Paul Hutton, Area VP and Head of Australasia, Hilton. “Marlene is a highly respected leader with an exceptional track record of guiding iconic luxury hotels in some of the world’s most competitive markets.

“As an Australian and with a deep connection to the Waldorf Astoria brand coupled with a strong understanding of this region, she is uniquely positioned to lead this landmark hotel as we prepare for Waldorf Astoria’s highly anticipated debut in Australia,” Hutton said.

“This appointment marks a significant milestone for Waldorf Astoria Sydney and reflects the calibre of leadership behind one of Australia’s most iconic landmark developments,” said Paige Walker, CEO, Fiveight, the hotel’s owner.

“At Fiveight, we’re committed to partnering with world-class operators to set a new benchmark for hospitality in Australia.”

Hilton said Poynder is “widely regarded as a trusted custodian of luxury brands… known for balancing exacting operational discipline with visionary leadership. Her leadership philosophy centres on craftsmanship, emotional connection and people development, fostering cultures where teams thrive and guests feel both recognised and inspired.”

“Waldorf Astoria is a brand defined by legacy, elegance and a deep sense of place. To be entrusted with introducing Waldorf Astoria Sydney is both an honour and a responsibility,” Poynder said. “I look forward to working with our partners and team members to create a hotel that feels distinctly Sydney, while remaining unmistakably Waldorf Astoria.”

Located at One Circular Quay, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will occupy one of the city’s most coveted harbourfront addresses, offering uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

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Hilton names inaugural Waldorf Astoria Sydney GM

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