Fiona Winger Appointed General Manager at Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

Queenstown, New Zealand: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has officially announced the appointment of Fiona Winger as its new General Manager, marking a significant milestone for the luxury property. A Queenstown local, Fiona returns to her hometown after building an impressive international career spanning more than 15 years in the global luxury hospitality industry.

Her appointment reflects Sofitel’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team with experienced professionals who understand the evolving expectations of luxury travelers while delivering world-class guest experiences.

A Hospitality Leader with Global Luxury Experience

Fiona Winger brings extensive expertise in luxury hotel management, having held senior leadership and General Manager positions across New Zealand, Fiji, the Maldives, and Australia. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Marriott International, Sheraton, and Westin.

Her diverse international experience has equipped her with a strong understanding of luxury guest services, operational excellence, team development, and strategic business growth, making her an ideal choice to lead one of Queenstown’s finest luxury hotels.

Successful Leadership at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Before joining Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Fiona served as the General Manager of Rosewood Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. During her tenure, she successfully managed lodge operations while delivering exceptional financial performance and elevating guest satisfaction.

She also played a key role in developing high-performing teams and overseeing major capital improvement projects, further strengthening the property’s reputation as a world-class luxury destination. Her leadership style, focused on innovation, operational excellence, and people development, earned recognition throughout the hospitality sector.

Leading a Luxury Icon in Queenstown

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown on Duke Street, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa is renowned for seamlessly blending the timeless elegance of French art de vivre with the breathtaking alpine beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region.

The luxury hotel has long been a preferred destination for travelers seeking sophisticated accommodation, premium dining experiences, and personalized service in one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist destinations.

With Fiona Winger now leading the property, guests can expect a continued focus on exceptional service, operational excellence, and memorable luxury experiences.

Strong Academic Foundation in Hospitality

Adding to her impressive professional journey, Fiona is a proud graduate of the International College of Hotel Management (ICHM), Class of 2008. Her academic background, combined with years of hands-on international leadership experience, has shaped her into one of the industry’s respected hospitality professionals.

Her appointment highlights the growing importance of experienced leadership in maintaining world-class service standards within the competitive luxury hospitality market.

A Promising Future for Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

Fiona Winger’s return to Queenstown represents more than a homecoming—it signals an exciting new chapter for Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa. Her extensive global experience, strategic vision, and passion for luxury hospitality position the hotel for continued growth and success.

As international tourism continues to recover and demand for premium travel experiences rises, Fiona’s leadership is expected to further enhance guest satisfaction, strengthen operational performance, and reinforce Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa’s position as one of Queenstown’s premier luxury hospitality destinations.