Marlene Poynder | General Manager
Waldorf Astoria Sydney

Marlene Poynder brings more than three decades of international luxury hospitality experience and is a recognised international Australian luxury hotelier with significant experience in Sydney’s luxury hotel market. As she returns to Hilton, she brings a distinguished record leading iconic properties across the United States, Asia and Australasia, including previously leading the opening of Waldorf Astoria Beijing and serving as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad New York Downtown.  Marlene most recently was the Managing Director of the Carlyle New York, a Rosewood hotel. Returning to her home country for this global marquee opening, Marlene brings deep operational expertise, brand stewardship and a people-first leadership style that make her exceptionally well placed to lead the pre-opening journey for Waldorf Astoria Sydney and shape a culture that reflects the very best of the brand and our region.