H O T E L
M A N A G E R
Q & A
industry insight
Adam Vonthethoff
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - ADELAIDE OVAL WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR POSITION? Chief Operating Officer. WHAT HOTEL/S DO YOU MANAGE? Adelaide Oval, Oval Hotel, Malt Shovel TAPHOUSE and Monarto Safari Park Hospitality. HOW DID YOU ENTER THE HOTEL INDUSTRY AND WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH? Started at 17 working at the Lakes Resort in various departments, then as Food and Beverage Manager for about three years each at: Hotel Adelaide, Stamford Grand, SKYCITY Casino, Outrigger – Fiji and CROWN Perth. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY CONNECTIONS IN THE HOTEL TRADE? Just my mum, who works here at the Adelaide Oval. WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION ENTAIL? Implementation of the company strategies, supporting our management and staffing teams, external stakeholder engagement, and looking for new business development opportunities. WHAT ASPECT OF THIS POSITION IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
The variety of tasks, people I get to meet, the development of ideas into new income streams and working with the teams in those businesses to succeed. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART/S OF THIS ROLE? It may be cliché, but I have one of the best jobs in Australia I think, at a place I love. APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY STAFF DO YOU MANAGE? 1400 WHO HAVE YOUR MENTORS BEEN OVER THE YEARS? Andrew Daniels has been a great mentor since we started working together in 2012, too many other wonderful people to mention by name. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE LOOKING TO WORK THEIR WAY UP THE HOTEL BUSINESS LADDER? Know when to move for the next opportunity, keep moving forward and learn from those around you. WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE LOWER ENERGY PRICES Wholesale electricity prices in South Australia are the cheapest in Australia, pushed lower over the past 18 months by softer demand during the pandemic. Only recently, prices have started to rise in what many believe could be a turning point in the pricing cycle. How do you protect against future price rises? We look at three options. The first is savvy procurement. Through a reverse auction, hotels can have retailers competitively bid on their energy contracts and negotiate a lower cost. 18 | Hotel SA | W W W . A H A S A . A S N . A U
I would love to continue developing my executive career with Adelaide Oval. WHAT MAKES YOUR HOSPITALITY OFFERING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VENUES? We have a stadium, significant functions and tourism business, hotel and city bar venue and a zoo under one company umbrella – it’s pretty diverse. DO YOU HAVE RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE HOTEL/S IN YOUR GROUP? We are always looking at making improvements to the Oval to improve the patron experience, we have some ideas moving forward!
Taking advantage of historically low prices to lock in a good deal before prices start to rise. Finally, utilising rooftop solar is another. Again, an auction platform can help you identify and procure the optimal on-site solar system, at the right price. Energy Action is an energy procurement specialist making energy simpler, cleaner and the lowest cost. Contact us today on 1300 964 589 or scan the QR code to discuss the options best suited to your business. Back to Contents
