SUMMER EDITION 2007 - Faculty of Business and Law - Victoria ...

SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY, TOURISM & MARKETING
Working in Xanadu
It’s a long way from Melbourne
Australia to Hangzhou China,
but Antony Platford (BBus Hotel
& Catering Mgmt, 1994) is the
General Manager for the Sofitel
Xanadu Resort (pictured below).
‘The primary focus here has been
on sales and marketing because
we’re a new resort.’
Antony’s first job was as part of the preopening
team for the Novotel Melbourne on
Collins. ‘I knew I wanted to work for Accor
because during my Co-operative Education
Year I had some exposure to this company,
and I knew they were opening the hotel. I
just called them up and went for an interview,
and started as Systems Manager.’
His days at VU were critical because, as
Antony explained, a business degree will
always stand you in good stead. ‘I also
remember learning some basics in cooking
classes and the food science project on
lemon meringue pie – but it wasn’t where my
real skill-set lay!’
Driven by change and challenge, Antony
prefers to learn by experience. ‘That
means I’m constantly learning about myself
and others, as well as gaining business
knowledge and skills. And the truth is
you can learn from everyone around you
sometimes more about what not to do!’
For Antony, it means he has learned a lot
in particular from other general managers,
private business owners, and corporate
people.
Kazakhstan
Pakistan
India
Nepal
Tibet
Bhutan
Russia
CHINA
India
Myanmar
Laos
Mongolia
Yangtze River
Vietnam
Pearl River
Beijing
Yellow River
Shanghai
Hangzhou
Taiwan
Russia
Songhua River
N. Korea
Pacific
Ocean
Hong Kong
Macau
South
China Sea
‘Successful people are successful for a
reason, so I like to understand what it is for
each person and develop myself.’
His work in hospitality has meant he’s had
many varied roles – from front office, finance,
sales and marketing, food and beverage
management…from cities in Australia to
his current location in China. ‘This is a
fantastic industry and large hotels offer great
opportunities for learning and development.
A successful hotelier advised me once that
Antony and daughter Poppy with Tutu on Rye Beach, prior to
leaving for China in early 2005.
a large hotel company was the best way to
learn, and he’s right, regardless of whether
you’re interested in that sort of a career or
want to start your own hospitality business.’
To contact Antony email him at
gm@sofitelxanadu.com
Hangzhou: Ancient Capital
The city of Hangzhou was founded
about 2,200 years ago during the
Qin Dynasty, and is listed as one
of the Seven Ancient Capitals of
China. Located 180 km southwest of
Shanghai, the population in the city
proper is now around 1.75 million.
By the end of 2003, Hangzhou
had a registered population of 6.4
million. As one of the most renowned
and prosperous cities of China
for much of the last 1,000 years,
Hangzhou is also well-known for its
beautiful natural scenery.
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY