Chief Concierge
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Ph: +61 7 5592 9800
Email

About Derek…

I have been in the hospitality industry for nearly 26 years. I have worked in different roles in hotels but found my true passion was in the Concierge World. I am currently enjoying the last seven years on the Gold Coast where I'm currently Chief Concierge at the Marriott Surfers Paradise which has just undergone a 20 million dollar refurbishment, prior to that I was working at Palazzo Versace as Chief Concierge for five years and a year at the Conrad Treasury in Brisbane.

​Before moving with my family to Australia I spent most of my experience starting in Auckland, New Zealand where I worked as Chief Concierge at the Regent Auckland, Four Seasons, Stamford Plaza, Sky City and Sky City Grand Hotel. I was the founding President of Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand (1994 – 2005) which I am truly proud of and have met so many wonderful people along the journey.

What I love about the role of Concierge is that you never know what unusual request will spring up or famous guests you may meet.

​One of the strangest requests was when I worked at the Four Seasons, Auckland and at short notice, four American Business men wanted to taste what a traditional Maori Hangi was like. (Food cooked on hot stones under the ground). I called up a couple of mates from my local rugby club and they quickly organized it at the Rugby Club where the guests enjoyed some true ‘Kiwi” hospitality and entertainment!