Mandala Hotels & Resorts Appoints Gemma McCourt as Chief Operating Officer

Mandala Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Gemma McCourt as Chief Operating Officer, marking a key step in strengthening its leadership team.

Career Journey and Experience

McCourt brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong focus on sales, commercial strategy, and hotel operations.

Early Career

She began her journey in hospitality through roles in sales and business development, where she built a strong foundation in client relationships, revenue generation, and market understanding. These early experiences helped shape her approach towards commercial strategy and operational performance.

Growth into Leadership Roles

Over the years, she progressed into senior leadership roles, working across commercial strategy, operations, and multi-property management. Her experience includes leading teams, improving business performance, and building structured growth strategies across hospitality portfolios.

Before taking on her current role, she served as Commercial Performance Officer at Mandala Hotels & Resorts, where she managed revenue, sales, marketing, and overall business performance. She played an important role in driving results and supporting the company’s expansion.

New Role at Mandala Hotels & Resorts

In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, McCourt will be responsible for overseeing hotel operations and commercial performance across the company’s portfolio, ensuring smooth operations while also focusing on long-term business growth.

Mandala Hotels & Resorts operates a growing portfolio across Australia, with a focus on delivering hospitality experiences that reflect local destinations and guest expectations.

Leadership Style and Industry Contribution

Throughout her career, McCourt has been known for her people-focused leadership style, working closely with teams and building strong relationships across the industry. She has also supported the development of future leaders and contributed to strengthening leadership within hospitality.

She is also active in the industry and serves as President of Skål International Brisbane, where she contributes to professional networking and industry development.

Her appointment reflects the company’s focus on building strong leadership to support its continued expansion.

A Thought on Leadership

Reflecting her approach to leadership, McCourt believes in understanding one’s purpose and using it to create impact. As she puts it:

“Know what sparks the light in you, so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.”