The inaugural CEO of Accommodation Australia - National, Michael has more than thirty years of experience at the highest levels of the tourism accommodation sector across Australia and New Zealand.

As head of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA National and NSW) since May 2019, Michael spearheaded the sector’s response to COVID, steering it through its darkest days in more than 100 years and representing the accommodation sector in the halls of power in Canberra and Sydney and in the media. A former long-time general manager of four- and five-star hotels, Michael lives and breathes the industry and is committed to providing all members with the highest levels of service and representation.

As CEO of TAA – and interim CEO of the Accommodation Association of Australia since October 2022 (the first person to hold both roles) – Michael has been pivotal in the amalgamation of Australia’s two peak accommodation bodies – a merger he has described as a long-held “dream come true.”

Michael epitomises the resilience of the accommodation sector and whether it’s encouraging the next generation of young hotel workers to build a successful career in hospitality or drawing attention to the needs of the industry at the highest levels, he is an enthusiastic and effective ambassador for the accommodation sector.

Jenny has over four decades of experience in policy and advocacy, with a particular focus in the tourism and hospitality sectors.  She commenced her industry association career as the industrial and research officer at the national office of the AHA.  After a few years as project manager and deputy CEO for the tourism industry training advisory body, Jenny took on her first CEO role as head of Restaurant & Catering NSW and then national R&CA.  Jenny then headed up three industry bodies, being Meetings & Events Australia, Nursery & Garden Industry and then the National Tourism Alliance.   For the last decade, Jenny has served as a policy director with one of Australia’s peak business bodies, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, of which Accommodation Australia will continue to be an active member.  At ACCI, Jenny specialised in policy issues relating to skills, education, migration, employment and tourism. 

Lorelle has 24+ years in the hospitality industry providing both administrative and management skills, working in all facets of hotels, motels and clubs.  This position is her first in the industry association world after the last 18 years working in Clubland.

Lorelle completed her Executive Masters of Business Administration in 2020 at University of Sunshine Coast.  This expanded her existing knowledge and resources to encompass advanced research and marketing techniques and project management which she used to develop strategic and marketing campaigns to improve compliance with legislation and create targeted strategic approaches for increasing spend in different areas of the business.

Lorelle’s strengths are her high-level organisational skills and attention to detail, which have ensured that she can effectively manage multiple objectives, meet priorities and deadlines within a fast-paced environment; and an ability to react quickly and decisively to identify and rectify issues.  Lorelle prides herself on an in-depth knowledge of business strategy, processes, procedures, stakeholders; and information systems relevant to hospitality.

Combined with her industry skills and a genuine passion for the sector, Lorelle aims to provide outstanding support to all tiers and stakeholders of Accommodation Australia nationally.