Following the FHTA Annual General Meeting on Friday 30 June 2023, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Board of Directors stand as follows;
Narend Kumar – President
Group General Manager, Tanoa Hotel Group
Narend’s accomplished management career reflects 25 years’ experience in Hotel operational leadership. He joined the Tanoa Hotel Group in 2007 as Hotel Manager Tanoa Waterfront Hotel. Prior to his engagement with Tanoa Hotel Group, he had worked at Novotel Nadi and the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa.
Steven Andrews – Vice President
General Manager, Castaway Island, Fiji
Steven has over 25 years of practical experience in the industry and is a hands-on results-driven hotel executive with experience in all aspects of resort operations with proven success in the industry. He is passionate about the development of local talents in leadership roles in the industry and supporting the growth of the greater tourism industry in Fiji. He has been on several industry boards including the Mamanuca Environment Society.
Brian Kirsch – Vice President
Company Director, Likuri Island Resort
Brian is also a Company Director for Fiji Gateway Hotel and Plantation Island Resort. He has been an active member of the FHTA board since 2012 and was previously Vice President of the Association. He has been appointed to represent employers on the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB). He has been a private sector Board Director for the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) since 2020.
Neeraj Chadha – Executive Director
Multi-Property Vice President Fiji & Samoa, Marriott International and General Manager Westin and Sheraton Resorts, Fiji Complex
Neeraj is a hotelier with work experience in Europe, Australia and Asia with back ground in both operations and business development. He held various management positions in Australia before coming to Fiji. He is a board member of Tourism Fiji.
Vincent Macquet – Executive Director
General Manager, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and Area General Manager Accor Hotels Fiji
Vincent is originally from Mauritius with a Francophone background. He has over 20 years of experience which commenced at the Hyatt Hotel Corporation in Australia. He is a board member of Denarau Corporation Pte Ltd (DCL) and the national airline, Fiji Airways. Vincent is the Area General Manager Accor Hotels Fiji including Novotel Nadi, Mercure Hotel and Novotel Suva Lami Bay.
Lachlan Walker – Treasurer
Area General Manager – South Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Lachlan has excelled as an Area General Manager in the South Pacific Islands for IHG Hotels & Resorts. In his current role since November 2019, Lachlan oversees esteemed properties such as InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Grand Pacific Hotel, and Holiday Inn. Prior to this, Lachlan served as the Area General Manager for Regional NSW for 3 years and 3 months, managing Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Terrigal & Hawkesbury Valley, as well as voco Kirkton Park NSW. Lachlan’s dedication to excellence is evident from his previous role as General Manager of Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, NSW Australia from January 2014 to September 2016.
Tammie Tam
Senior Vice President/Executive Director – Pacific, Warwick Hotels and Resorts
Tammie has been a FHTA Board Member for over 20 years, representing the Warwick Fiji, Naviti Resort, Tokatoka Resort Nadi and Tambua Sands Beach Resort. While currently as Board Member, she also serves on the Proprietary Rights Sub Committee, HR/IR Sub Committee and the FRCA Sub Committee. Tammie is a board member of Tourism Fiji.
Allan Gortan
Owner, Paradise Taveuni
Allan arrived in Fiji in March 2000 and purchased what is now Paradise Taveuni in 2006. After spending five years constructing the resort, it was destroyed by 2016’s TC Winston. Undeterred, Allan took on the challenge of rebuilding the resort, determined to restore its former glory.
Throughout his time in Fiji, Allan’s heart was touched by the kindness and warmth of the local community, leading him to adopt three children from the region, further strengthening his bond with Fiji. Allan has also made a significant impact on Fiji’s tourism industry. He has been an active member of the Board for 12 years and is currently Chair of the FHTA Dive Sub Committee (DiveComm). This role reflects the trust and respect he has earned from his peers. Allan is also one of Fiji’s representatives at DEMA, where he advocates for the country’s dive industry and promotes sustainable practices.
Azam Khan
Director, Hexagon Group of Hotels
Taking over the helm from his late father, Hafiz Khan, Azam is the Director of the Hexagon Group of Hotels which include the Hexagon International Hotel Villas & Spa, Yadua Bay Resort & Villas, Grand West Villas and the Suva Motor Inn. Azam is the Chair of the FHTA Environment Subcommittee and a member of the FHTA Marketing and HR/IR Subcommittees.
Adam Wade
General Manager & Chief Executive Officer, Vuda Marina Fiji
In October 2012, Adam assumed the role of General Manager & Chief Executive Officer at Vuda Marina Fiji. With a wealth of experience garnered from prestigious establishments like the 5-star hotel Shangri-la in Fiji and Malaysia’s coral coast, Adam brings a refined touch to the marina industry. His exceptional leadership skills and industry expertise have been instrumental in transforming the Boatshed Restaurant and Vuda Marina Fiji into an award-winning destination. Adam’s dedication to excellence and his ability to adapt to new challenges make him a valuable member of the Board.
James McCann
Owner, Yasawa Island Resort & Spa – Fiji
James McCann is a qualified Chef and completed a diploma in Hotel Management at Swiss Hotel school. James first came to Fiji as a hotel General Manager back in 1993 and since then has managed and marketed many of Fiji’s leading Island resort properties. In 2011 James along with his wife Erin purchased the award-winning Yasawa Island Resort & Spa and have been owner-operators of this boutique Five Star property ever since.
Brad Rutherford
CEO, South Sea Cruises Group
Brad has spent the past fifteen years in Fiji employed across various senior management positions related to both inbound travel and tourist transport operations. He was appointed to his current role as CEO of the South Sea Cruises Group in December 2016. With an ultimate responsibility of overseeing the wider business, Brad has a key focus on achieving growth and diversity across both existing brands as well as the introduction of new products. Prior to moving to Fiji, Brad held management positions at Tourism Holdings Ltd in both New Zealand and Australia. Brad holds a Diploma of Travel & Tourism, a Diploma of Management, and has completed executive leadership studies at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and Harvard University’s online Business School. Brad has also served as VP of the Society of Fiji Travel Associates for the past several years.
Josephine Moffat
Company Director, Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
Josephine has spent a lifetime in tourism; living and working in the industry at her family home of Musket Cove Island Resort. She is the Chair of her family group of companies spanning Tourism, Property, Manufacturing and Retail. She is a former member of the Board of Bio Security Authority 2012-2013 (Chairperson), Tourism Fiji 2010 – 2016 & 2020 – current. Josephine was a previously long-serving member on the board of FHTA and a Fiji Excellence in Tourism Young Achiever award winner 2005.
Kaydee George
Executive Assistant Manager, COMO Laucala Island
Kaydee is the Executive Assistant Manager for COMO Laucala Island. She was the previous General Manager of Club Wyndham Resort Denarau. Prior to moving to Fiji, Kaydee had experience in managing Resorts in Australia and New Zealand and has worked for Wyndham for over 9 years. Kaydee has had vast exposure to resort operations and has recently completed an Executive Leadership and Performance Leadership Certificate with Cornell University.
Lee Pearce
Chief Executive Officer, Raffe Hotels & Resorts
Lee is a career hotel and resorts professional who possesses extensive experience in the leisure and business sectors. Throughout a span of over 25 years, Lee has worked in multiple countries including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Vietnam, where he successfully managed various hotels and resorts. This current position in Fiji marks Lee’s second posting in the country, as he previously worked here from 2010 to 2014. During his earlier tenure, Lee served as a board member for FHTA. Since returning to Fiji in April 2022, Lee has actively engaged in the industry. Lee’s career also includes notable roles as a board member for organizations such as the East Kimberly Tourism Association, Central Australia Tourism Association, Positively Wellington Tourism, and the New Zealand Hotels Association (Wellington Chapter). Furthermore, Lee has been involved with the Hospitality Association New Zealand, the Phu Quoc Tourism Marketing Group, various SKAL clubs, and numerous community groups. Lee is committed to dedicating the necessary time and effort to fulfil his responsibilities as a board member of the FHTA, representing and advocating for the industry’s interests.
Adriu Tupou
Manager of Hotel and Tourism Investment Portfolio, Fiji National Provident Fund (Representing the Grand Pacific Hotel)
Adriu’s professional journey within FNPF has been marked by his extensive expertise and versatility across various departments. Starting as an Inspector in the Operations Unit in 2007, Adriu gained valuable experience in overseeing operational processes and ensuring compliance with established standards. In 2013, Adriu joined the Investment Division, focusing on the rehabilitation of the Momi Hotel Redevelopment, a critical project for FNPF. Currently, as the Manager of the Hotels and Tourism Investment Portfolio at FNPF, Adriu oversees a diverse range of investments in the hotels and tourism sector. His multifaceted experience and comprehensive understanding of the industry enable him to efficiently navigate the complexities of hotel development, refurbishments, and asset management, contributing to FNPF’s success in this dynamic field.