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Occupancy New Zealand's Leading Accommodation Industry Conference

Haley Purdon leads Expedia Lodging Partner Services in New Zealand and Pacific Islands, responsible for developing the strategies for the Group’s lodging supply business in the region.

With more than 12 years’ experience with Expedia Group, she leads the team to establish and develop strong partner relationships with hotel partners, helping to maximise their exposure to the Group’s 200+ travel booking websites. 

Prior to her role as Director of Market Management, Haley held various roles at the company. She started out as a Senior Market Manager for Orbitz Worldwide, where she was responsible for building a team on the ground, developing the brand awareness and expanding its presence to New Zealand and Pacific Islands region.

Haley brings valued knowledge of the online travel landscape to her role. Her passion for leading and developing people is instrumental to the rapid expansion of the NZPI team over the past four years.

Hazel has established a strong career within the hospitality industry, joining Village Accommodation Group and Rooms Online at the end of 2019 as Chief Commercial Director. Prior to joining, Hazel worked in senior management roles within hospitality in the UK and Ireland, with her most recent role being Director of Marketing & eCommerce Australia/New Zealand at Grand Chancellor Hotels.  She has knowledge in a diverse range of hospitality systems and processes, from ecommerce, data integration, revenue, sales, loyalty, brand management and is also a Chartered Marketer, audited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK and recognised by the Marketing Association NZ.

After spending more than 20 years managing in some of Asia’s most exciting hotels for Hyatt International & Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Japan, Bali, China, New Zealand, Saipan and Taiwan, Troy decided to return home to New Zealand in 2013 to start his own hospitality management company – Katalyma Hotels and Hospitality.

Subsequently, Troy and his wife Tomoko became the owners of Whangaparaoa Lodge in mid 2013 and added a second property Kerikeri Park Lodge from the beginning of 2017.

“Owning and running our own business, creating our own path and destiny is a luxury earned from taking risks and working hard” Troy says.

Troy spent the majority of his time in Hotels managing Food & Beverage operations working his way up through the Hotel hierarchy. He started as a Corporate Trainee for Hyatt International, moving through to restaurant management, Banquet and Catering, and divisional and hotel operations management. Troy’s last position was the General Manager of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts – Tokyo Restaurants, which oversaw the Japan operations of the luxury brand’s lifestyle operations.

Additionally, passion for the industry and local community is also very important to Troy. He is a board member of the National Board, Hospitality New Zealand, chairs the Auckland accommodation sector group at branch level, and is an executive committee member of the local Whangaparaoa Business Association.

Georgina is a passionate expert with honed sales and marketing skills in the hotel, tourism, events and hospitality sectors. Experience in the hotel industry spans more than 15 years from multi-national chains to boutique luxury brands, Georgina brings a wealth of knowledge with a keen understanding of current trends to this panel. With a quick wit and inclusive management style, George develops significant relationships to help grow the Brook Serene Hotel business.