MEDIA RELEASE
Palazzo Versace welcomes new Executive Chef, Geoff Haviland
QUEENSLAND, 10 NOVEMBER 2011 – The management team at Palazzo Versace Gold Coast is delighted to
announce the arrival of new Executive Chef, Geoff Haviland. Geoff comes to Palazzo Versace with over a decade of
experience in the luxury hotel and restaurant industry. Prior to accepting this role at Palazzo Versace, Geoff held the
role of Executive Chef at Jupiters Hotel and Casino, while in this position Geoff led a team of 260 chefs and support
service staff and was responsible for the production and service of over 55,000 meals per week.
Geoff’s extensive career has seen him work at a number of the world’s most luxurious hotels including Southern Sun
Hotel Group, Dubai as Corporate Development Chef, Al Manzil Hotel & Qamardeen Hotel, Dubai as Complex
Executive Chef and the Intercontinental Hyde Park, London as Executive Chef. In each role, Geoff has ensured the
hotel’s success with his strong leadership, project management and creative culinary skills.
Vanitas Restaurant, Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace Executive Chef,
Vie Bar + Restaurant, Palazzo Versace
Geoff Haviland
In announcing the new position, Russell Durnell, General Manager of Palazzo Versace, said that Geoff brings a great
deal of enthusiasm, creativity and experience with him and will be a true asset to the Palazzo Versace team. “We are
excited to have Geoff on board and believe that his world class experience will ensure that Palazzo Versace’s award
winning dining venues will continue to deliver a truly memorable culinary experience.”
“This new appointment is the ideal time to review our current dining offerings and to develop creative new ideas that
will stimulate, capture and captivate the luxury market. We are confident that Geoff, with his wealth of local and
international experience, is the ideal candidate to lead us in this direction,” said Mr. Durnell.
When speaking about his new appointment, Geoff Haviland said, “I am really excited to take up my new position at
Palazzo Versace and look forward to working with the management and staff to provide an outstanding dining
experience at all of the hotel’s dining outlets. It is my vision to continue the fantastic work that is currently being
performed at Palazzo Versace whilst also looking into creating innovative and fresh new concepts to further enhance the
guest experience.”
Geoff began his role as Executive Chef at Palazzo Versace this week. He replaces Steve Szabo who is leaving Palazzo
Versace on Friday (11/11) after a highly successful 10 year tenure as Executive Chef of the hotel.
For more information or to book into one of Palazzo Versace’s restaurants please call (07) 5509 8000 or visit
www.palazzoversace.com.au
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Madeleine Brennan
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Palazzo Versace
In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to
create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, the $300 million Palazzo Versace opened its doors
on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring
condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold
Coast Broadwater.
2011 Awards:
Queensland’s Best Luxury Hotel at the Queensland Tourism Awards
Australasia’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards
Best Australian Hotel in Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List for the fourth consecutive year
2010 Awards:
Best Luxury Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards
Outstanding Service and Outstanding Luxury awards in HotelClub.com’s reader awards
Australasia’s Leading Hotel and Australasia’s Leading Spa Resort at the World Travel Awards