Minor Hotels Appoints Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, has appointed Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu, reinforcing the group’s leadership as the hotel accelerates its commercial strategy and guest experience agenda ahead of the hotel’s launch in Q2 2026. Winston brings extensive international hotel leadership experience across Australia, Asia and the Middle East, with a track record spanning hotel openings, operational turnarounds and performance-led commercial delivery. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for revenue and profit improvement, guest satisfaction gains and high-impact stakeholder management, with experience across both city and resort environments. Most recently, Winston served as General Manager of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, where he drove year-on-year growth and market share performance while strengthening brand standards and owner alignment. He has also held senior leadership roles with Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and has delivered multiple pre-opening and renovation projects across the region. At Avani Kota Kinabalu, Winston will lead end-to-end operations for the 352-key hotel, including 22 suites, alongside a diversified food and beverage offering and meetings facilities. Integrated with The Logg development, the hotel is positioned to serve both leisure and corporate demand, with convenient access to retail and dining and straightforward airport connectivity. Winston Gong, General Manager, Avani Kota Kinabalu, said: “I’m excited [...] The post Minor Hotels Appoints Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu first appeared on Luxury Hospitality Magazine.