Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has appointed Mark Burns as General Manager, marking a pivotal moment in the hotel’s evolution as one of Sydney’s premier luxury destinations. The appointment brings seasoned international hospitality leadership to the historic property as it enters a new chapter following its transformative $77 million renovation.
Burns brings more than 30 years of international hospitality expertise spanning four continents. His career encompasses senior leadership roles with distinguished global brands including Fullerton, Starwood, Mandarin Oriental and The Dorchester. Throughout his career, he has specialised in operational excellence, brand positioning and cultural engagement whilst demonstrating a particular talent for hotel transformations that preserve heritage whilst embracing modern luxury.
His career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to the luxury hospitality sector. Burns spent 20 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts across multiple Australian properties before that working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in positions spanning Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Indonesia and Hawaii. Most recently, he served as General Manager of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, where he oversaw the property’s complete conversion and rebranding from The Westin Sydney in 2019.
In 2022, Burns took the helm at Pullman Cairns International during the final phase of the property’s major refurbishment programme. His appointment there was specifically sought for his proven ability to reinvent hotels through service culture enhancement and food and beverage innovation.
At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Burns will oversee the hotel’s continued repositioning, guiding the evolution of luxury programmes, guest experience design and partnerships that align with Sofitel’s identity as the Hotel of the Arts. His appreciation for cultural storytelling positions him to reinforce the hotel’s commitment to creativity and its connection to Sydney’s vibrant arts scene. His leadership philosophy centres on people, place and purpose, ensuring every guest experience reflects authenticity, elegance and cultural depth.
David Fraser, Vice President Operations, Pacific Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, welcomed the appointment. “Sofitel Sydney Wentworth holds a special place in the history of luxury accommodation in Australia,” Fraser said. “Mark’s extensive leadership experience, coupled with his passion for hospitality, makes him the ideal steward for this next chapter. We are confident he will continue to build upon the hotel’s legacy whilst setting new benchmarks in service and guest experience.”
Burns expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. “Sofitel Sydney Wentworth holds a special place in Australia’s luxury landscape,” he said. “The hotel’s rich heritage and its renewed vision present an extraordinary opportunity to elevate its artistry and re-establish it as one of the most inspiring hotels, not just in Sydney, but internationally.”
The appointment arrives at a defining moment for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. The hotel recently completed its $77 million transformation, reaffirming its standing as one of Sydney’s most iconic luxury addresses. The extensive refurbishment encompassed all 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby and state-of-the-art conference and event facilities.
The transformation has garnered substantial industry recognition. The hotel was named Sydney’s Best Business Hotel 2025 by Spice Magazine’s Hot 100 Hotels & Venues and featured in The New York Times global list of “52 Places to Go in 2025”. Additional accolades include winning Hotel of the Year (Refurbishment) at the 2025 Design Inn Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards and shortlisting for the Australian Interior Design Awards for Hospitality Design.
The hotel’s culinary excellence has also earned recognition, receiving a Chef’s Hat in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025. Tilda and Delta Rue, the hotel’s signature dining destinations by House Made Hospitality, each received three wine glasses in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2025.
The refurbishment reimagines the guest journey, harmoniously combining Sofitel’s signature French flair with Sydney’s vibrant spirit. Led by architecture and interior design firm FK, the renovation embodies the essence of ‘Modern Heritage’, honouring the building’s 1966 origins as the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere whilst introducing contemporary sophistication.
The appointment coincides with Sofitel’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years since the brand emerged as a pioneering French luxury hospitality brand in 1964. Sofitel now operates nearly 120 hotels across more than 40 countries, maintaining its position as the first international French luxury hotel brand.
