Sofitel Brisbane Appoints New GM, Journey Beyond Taps First Nations Engagement Lead

Announced July 3, 2026, Rob Unson has been appointed General Manager of Sofitel Brisbane Central. He will oversee all hotel operations, returning to the Sofitel brand after previous stints in Australia and Vietnam. Unson's career spans 30 years in luxury and premium hotels across the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia, commencing his journey at The Ritz-Carlton in New York.

Unson expressed his enthusiasm to Hotel Management, stating that Sofitel represents the pinnacle of French elegance intertwined with local culture. He looks forward to crafting exceptional guest experiences and positioning Sofitel Brisbane Central as a leader in the city's burgeoning luxury hospitality scene. David Fraser, VP Operations for Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems for the Pacific, underscored Unson’s extensive experience, passion for both guests and colleagues, and proven leadership in delivering high-level service.

Concurrently, Journey Beyond has created a new position, General Manager, First Nations Engagement and Partnership, appointing Roland Ah Chee to the role. Ah Chee, a proud Pertame, Wangkungurru, and Bundjalung man, will guide the company's collaborations with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities nationwide. His fifteen years of experience include high-level strategic advice on Aboriginal Affairs policy as Senior Adviser to the South Australian Deputy Premier.

According to Hotel Management, Ah Chee's background also encompasses consulting and financial assurance, where he advised government, organizations, and Aboriginal communities on governance, strategy, financial management, and economic development. Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent noted that Ah Chee will be crucial in fostering authentic, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations communities and people.

Our take: The appointment of a seasoned luxury hotelier like Unson at Sofitel Brisbane Central signals a clear intent to elevate the property's standing within a competitive market. Journey Beyond's creation of a dedicated First Nations engagement role demonstrates a proactive and responsible approach to tourism, acknowledging the critical importance of respectful Indigenous partnerships in Australia's travel landscape.