Mark Leslie appointed to role of onsite General Manager at Lizard Island   

Tropical North Queensland resort, Lizard Island, has announced highly experienced industry professional Mark Leslie as onsite General Manager.

Lizard Island is the northernmost island on World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. With just 40 suites and villas offering access to 24 white-sanded beaches, an escape to Lizard Island is a luxuriously exclusive experience.

Leslie brings to the sought-after role almost three decades of tourism and hospitality experience heading up some of the world’s most prestigious luxury resorts, with leadership roles in the industry stretching from Africa, the United Kingdom, to the Indian subcontinent, the South Pacific, Caribbean and ultimately to Australia. 

World-travelled, Leslie is no stranger to leading exclusive resorts, having most recently held the role of General Manager and owner’s representative at the prestigious private Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands housing Sir Richard Branson’s private estate amongst several other uniquely designed estates.

Leslie spent a significant stint in the Seychelles as General Manager at Six Senses Zil Payson on Felicite Island and developing DesRoches Island as well as General Manager for the exclusive VOMO island in Fiji.  

For around a decade prior, Leslie worked his way up the ranks in the industry, starting in the gracious Savoy, Clarridges and Berkely hotels in London gaining extensive experience in leading pre-opening and rebranding projects, as well as guest-facing departments at properties including Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ W in the Maldives and opening the Westin in Bangladesh.  While in Africa he held various group directorship roles with Orient Express and Sarova Hotels in East Africa

Leslie’s distinguished career includes industry recognition such as the award for South Pacific General Manager of the Year 2016 and 2018 Australian Hotel Management (HM) Awards, the Nelson Mandela Inauguration Award and Personal Liaison for President Mandela, Michelin guild recognition and 6 Plaques in the French Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

For Lizard Island, Leslie brings to the operation of this celebrated resort an approach that complements the existing natural beauty and bespoke luxury of the island.

“As we are operating on the precious, World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, it’s all about doing the right thing both environmentally and sustainably,” Leslie shared.

“For our guests travelling to this extraordinary part of the world, we’re keen to offer a meaningful experience and an unforgettable stay; we’re about creating bespoke, artisanal experiences and making sure we are best in class both regionally and internationally.”

For bookings and more information visit www.lizardisland.com.au