Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jane-Therese Mulry as director of culinary and Fraser Donald Wong as director of operations for New Zealand properties.
Australian-born Jane-Therese (‘JT’) was appointed to the Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, and Rosewood Matakauri. She comes to the Rosewood group highly qualified, having travelled the globe as her outstanding career has developed over the past 25 years.
She relocates to Northland, New Zealand from her most recent position as executive chef (of Pre-Opening/Opening) at The Waldorf Astoria, Seychelles. Prior executive chef roles have included those at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa near Johannesburg, South Africa, The Siam Hotel, Bangkok and in Australia at Qualia on Hamilton Island, Queensland, and at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania.
Some career highlights have included being appointed the first female head chef by Marco Pierre White at MPW Canary Wharf, London. Further recognition was being named “Mentor of the Year” during her time at Saxon Hotels in South Africa.
The Director of Culinary for the Rosewood trio of New Zealand properties is a new position for the group, created with an emphasis on driving the food and wine programme to new heights. JT will be tasked with bringing the three kitchen brigades in Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Queenstown closer together and supporting personal and professional development to those individuals across the three teams. A recognised mentor and leader, JT is a strong advocate of knowledge sharing and advancing culinary careers.
“My passion is produce and New Zealand is without doubt the world’s leading ‘chef’s heaven’ when it comes to produce” Jane-Therese said. “I share the company’s ethos of embracing diversity, empowering people with passion, innovation, pride and ownership.”
“We look forward to JT’s fresh prospective and insights learned from her impressive international positions, which will contribute to Rosewood’s commitment to culinary excellence while staying authentically New Zealand and true to Rosewood’s guiding principle, A Sense of Place,” Rosewood New Zealand managing director, Stephane Massarini, said.
Located in three of New Zealand’s most iconic locations, each resort immerses guests in the special style of “kiwi” hospitality for which the country is revered. Capturing New Zealand’s unique geography, the three properties provide for the ultimate journey across the North and South Islands, together offering access to its expansive coastline, rolling hills, soaring mountains and more.
Fraser Donald Wong, appointed director of operations for Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, brings to the Rosewood family an impressive background in the luxury hotel industry. He has worked in properties across Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Hong Kong and India, gaining management experience with hotels including Aman Resorts (Amantaka, Laos) Song Saa Collective, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, and more.
Notably, in March 2024, Fraser was the recipient of a global award at the Serandipians Conference (2024 Idolons Ceremony) as “Friendliest Hotel Manager – Independent Hotel”, testament to his true commitment to outstanding guest service and luxury hospitality.
With Fraser’s proven track record in sales as well as operational management, Rosewood is thrilled to have him overseeing operations at their New Zealand flagship Rosewood Kauri Cliffs and helping to share and preserve the unique native culture of this iconic Northland property.
“Fraser is ideally suited to ensuring guests at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs enjoy exceptional and immersive experiences and the special style of warm “kiwi” hospitality for which Rosewood’s New Zealand properties are renowned,” Stephane Massarini said.
“I am excited to be bringing my knowledge and experience of the luxury hotel market back to Aotearoa and Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, and to achieving some great things,” Fraser added.
Kauri Cliffs underscores Rosewood’s commitment to championing storied properties in some of the most remarkable destinations around the world. Founded by philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson in 2001, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs has garnered a reputation as one of New Zealand’s top accommodations providing bespoke and warm hospitality set against a stunning backdrop.