ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to Stories

Kristy Stanton – First Indigenous General Manager for AccorHotels

24 March 2017
Jobs, Land and Economy
Indigenous woman in white top and black jacket with non-Indigenous man dressed in suit and tie stand in front of wall covered with blue, white and green Indigenous designs

When Kristy Stanton became AccorHotels’ first Indigenous General Manager, her appointment marked a milestone for the company’s Employment Parity Initiative, which reached over 500 employees nationally at the end of 2016.

Kristy Stanton is AccorHotels’ first Indigenous General Manager. Her appointment as the General Manager of Ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park is a milestone for AccorHotels, a partner with the Australian Government’s Employment Parity Initiative (EPI).

At a special Elders breakfast on International Women’s Day, Kristy spoke of her achievements and what the appointment meant to her.

“I am humbled to be AccorHotels’ first Indigenous General Manager and so grateful for the opportunity,” Kristy said.

“I feel proud to be creating a pathway for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders especially females within AccorHotels and believe that the opportunities are endless particularly with the support of the Group’s Indigenous Programs Team.”

“Since taking on my role, there are already other Indigenous employees – male and female, aspiring to be in my position and already I can see they are more confident to be outspoken about their career goals rather than shying away from them.”

Kristy said that mentors have had a great impact on her career.

“I have been fortunate to have a mix of both male and female mentors in my life who had the confidence and belief in me when I was taking on challenging roles. I feel through all the awareness of International Women’s Day and gender equality, times are changing,” Kristy said.

“AccorHotels has great plans for 50/50 gender balance for General Managers and together with the group’s Strategic Leaders Program, it is great to be working in a company that does so much to support its female employees.”

Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Pacific said he was thrilled with Kristy’s appointment.

“Kristy started with us in 2010 and it has been inspiring to see her progression from being a Welcomer at Pullman Sydney Olympic Park at age 19, to undertaking our Executive Leaders Program just four years later,” Simon said.

Kristy joined AccorHotels through their Indigenous Employment Parity Initiative. The program reached over 500 employees nationally at the end of 2016.

Story courtesy of AccorHotels.

Find out more

The Employment Parity Initiative (EPI) commits Australia’s largest employers to work with the Australian Government to achieve employment parity for First Australians. AccorHotels is one of 11 current partners. For more information, go to AccorHotel’s Indigenous Employment Program.