Central Apartments & Hotels Management Profiles

David Pradella - Managing Director - Pradella Property Ventures

Tertiary qualified in business Management and Accounting, David's indepth tourism experience stems back over 30 years.  David gained global industry knowledge with the Best Western chain in the USA and the Travelodge Group in Australia, before taking up the role of Chief Financial Officer of the Pradella Group of Companies, the business established by his family in 1959. In 1984, David founded Central Apartments & Hotels for the Pradella Group, when he oversaw the development, construction and operation of Brisbane's Metropolitan Motor Inn, establishing the first serviced apartment accommodation chain in Australia.  From 2001 to 2008, David was Joint Managing Director of the Pradella Group with his younger brother, Kim.  The group specialises in Construction, Development, Hotel and Property Management. Pradella is now one of Queensland's most awarded developer, builders and property managers.  David has served as a director on the Qld Government Board of Queensland Tourism, Travel Corporation (now Tourism Queensland) and Enertrade. In 2006, David was recognised by the Queensland University of Technology as its Outstanding Alumni Winner for Business.  Corporate restructure of the Pradella Group in early 2009 saw David become the Managing Director of Pradella Property Ventures.   Pradella Property Ventures incorporates Central Apartments and Hotels and is a syndicator with interests encompassing residential property development, manufactured home parks, serviced apartments, residential property management and general real estate agencies.  David holds a General Real Estate Licence and a Commercial Agent Corporation Licence, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.  In September 2010, the HMAA presented their second national Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award to David Pradella in recognition of his lifetime dedication to the Australian accommodation industry. 

Philip Goodman - Chief Executive Officer, Pradella Property Ventures

Philip's hotel industry experience began in 1980 as Owner of The Winterhaus in Thredbo which he successfully owned and managed for 25 years. Following the sale of The Winterhaus, Philip became General Manager of QualBest Homes and Tradefast and then Managing Director of MaxInfo, roles which provided him invaluable development and legal knowledge.  Philip joined the Pradella Group of Companies as Acquisitions and Developments Manager in 2003 and was active in Central Apartments and Hotels acquisition of management rights in Emporium and Surfair Conference Centre. Philip is the Development Director for Seachange Village Arundel Over 50's Lifestyle Resort and Skylounge Apartment Hotel in Melbourne.  In 2009, Philip was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pradella Property Ventures and brings to the role a wealth of experience in syndication, joint ventures, site acquisitions and marketing.   Philip has a Building Licence in Queensland and New South Wales and is involved in Community Titles Institutes nationally and regionally.

Jennifer Hansen - General Manager - Residences, Central Group

Jenni began her hospitality career with Central Apartments & hotels over 20 years ago, beginning her career as a telephonist at our Central Summit Apartments.  Since that time Jenni has worked for many professional hospitality and property management companies in various management positions.  With a 7 year stint in Sydney working for companies such as Medina Serviced Apartments and the Oaks Hotels & Resorts, Jenni returned to Central Apartments & Hotels in November of 2005 as the Accommodation Operations Manager.  As the portfolio grew, so did Jenni's role which involves overseeng the strategic and day to day operations of all 6 residential complexes in Brisbane. Jenni has completed her full Real Estate Licence during her return to Central and also keeps our Resident Managers informed of changes within legislation that pertains to the property management industry. 

Peter has considerable domestic and global tourism and hospitality experience having held senior management positions with major operators in New Zealand and Australia, including 11 years in Canada and the USA. Peter relocated to Sydney in 1994 and joined Thrifty Car Rental as National Sales Manager Corporate. After two years, Peter co-founded a boutique accommodation company, and when the business sold in 2001, he joined the Carlton Crest Hotel in Sydney as their Director of Sales & Marketing.  In 2002, Peter was recruited by Grand Hotels International and took the position of Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Peter served as a Director on the Board of the Tasmanian Convention Bureau. In 2005 he joined the Federal Group Tasmania as Group Director of Sales before relocating to Queensland in 2008.  Peter has an enthusiastic and positive approach and is passionate about delivering profitable business solutions.    

Jay Kumar - General Manager - Venues,Central Group

Jay holds a Degree and Diploma in Hospitality Management as well as numerous tertiary qualifications and training achievements. Jay is passionate about the hospitality industry and has extensive industry experience that includes executive roles in five star hotels in Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and India. Jay is focused on providing a first class quality product in a safe and enjoyable environment with an emphasis on the delivery of a high level of innovative customer service.  Jay is committed to the training, development and success of his team and wants to develop a dynamic team of professional individuals who share his commitment in providing a superior experience with genuine personality and style.