Dean Nicol has been appointed executive manager of ILT’s flagship conference centre the Ascot Park Hotel.
He will take over the reins from Bryan Townley next month as Bryan departs to take the helm of The Langlands Hotel.
“Opportunities like this don’t come up often so I was absolutely rapt when they offered me the role,” says Dean.
“Having stayed at the Ascot Park Hotel on more than one occasion I was always impressed with the property.
“Bryan has done a great job. He will be difficult to replace but I like a challenge, and feel I can bring stability and insight during this time of change.”
Currently based in Palmerston North, but raised in Central Otago and Dunedin, Dean and his family were eager to move back south.
“We couldn’t get more south than Invercargill and we are very excited about everything this role, the hotel and the city has to offer. I’m really looking forward to it,” says Dean.
Dean’s wife Rie and their youngest child Joseph will be joining him in Invercargill at the end of school year. His other children James and Maya will be nearby in Dunedin working and studying from next year.
Dean is currently the general manager of Distinction Hotel in Palmerston North so is no stranger to operating in this challenging COVID environment. He has 25+ years’ industry experience with strong ties to Dunedin having held a variety of senior management roles there including at Distinction Hotel, Cargills and the Mercure Leisure Lodge.
Chris Ramsay ILT’s chief executive says there was a high level of interest in this role from around the country and abroad.
“Following a thorough recruitment process, Dean shone through particularly with his revenue management skills and extensive operational experience,” he says.
“The Ascot Park Hotel is a big undertaking, especially given its size which includes conference and events facilities to manage along with an out catering division. We’re thrilled to have someone of Dean’s calibre in charge to keep driving it forward.
“He has the proverbial big shoes to fill but we have no doubt he will bring some fresh insights and will continue to grow Ascot Park Hotel as ILT and Invercargill’s premier conference and events centre,” says Chris.
Dean’s previous experience has mainly been within large organisations, this will be his first appointment within a licensing trust.
“Although I haven’t had any direct involvement with ILT I can see they have a positive impact on the community which I’m looking forward to being a part of,” says Dean.
