CLLIX Apartments and Hotels has appointed Mark Hodge as Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than three decades of senior leadership experience in Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector to the growing aparthotel operator.
The appointment strengthens CLLIX’s executive team as the company continues expanding its portfolio across Australia’s eastern seaboard. Hodge joins at what CEO Michael Song described as “a key stage” of the organisation’s growth trajectory.
In his new role, Hodge will oversee operational strategy and execution across CLLIX’s portfolio of more than 20 properties and 2,500 apartments spanning Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide. He will work closely with the executive leadership team to strengthen operating discipline, enhance asset performance and support long-term value creation.
Hodge brings extensive experience managing complex accommodation portfolios across both single-asset and multi-asset environments. His career includes senior executive positions with global hotel groups Accor and Mantra Group, where he spent a combined 15 years overseeing operations across 140 properties and leading more than 5,000 team members as Senior Vice President Operations for Accor’s Apartments and Leases division.
His background spans corporate and resort-style operations, with deep expertise in both strata and traditional hotel ownership structures – a particularly relevant skillset for CLLIX’s aparthotel model, which bridges the gap between online travel marketplaces and traditional hotels.
“We are delighted to welcome Mark Hodge to the CLLIX leadership team,” said Michael Song, Chief Executive Officer of CLLIX. “Mark’s depth of experience across both single-asset and multi-asset environments, together with his focus on operating discipline, asset performance, and team leadership, will play a key role in strengthening and expanding our operations and portfolio as we continue to grow.”
Throughout his career, Hodge has established a track record of improving operating performance, executing commercial restructures and delivering sustainable earnings growth across complex asset portfolios. He has led operational transformations, restructurings and acquisitions, delivering improvements in margins, profitability and employee engagement.
His industry credentials include recognition as Australian General Manager of the Year at the 2022 HM Awards. He has held several governance roles, serving as Director of the National Board of the Accommodation Association of Australia, Chair of the Accommodation Australia Queensland State Advisory Board from 2019 to 2024, and Director of Destination Gold Coast. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds current real estate licences in Queensland and New South Wales.
“CLLIX has built a strong operating platform and a clear strategic focus. I look forward to working with the leadership team to strengthen performance across the portfolio and support disciplined, sustainable growth,” he said.
The appointment comes during a period of active expansion for CLLIX, which operates as a division of Queensland-based Song Properties. The company positions itself as a modern, technology-driven player in Australia’s $6.1 billion serviced apartments sector, combining contemporary apartments with self-service technology including automated kiosks and 24/7 online concierge services.
Australia’s serviced apartment market continues to demonstrate robust fundamentals, with industry analysts projecting sustained growth driven by increasing demand from business travellers, families seeking self-contained accommodation, and the broader trend toward flexible, home-like hospitality experiences.
