Sam Panetta Named General Manager, Roberto Carrillo Promoted to Director of Sales

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is delighted to announce two key leadership appointments as part of the hotel’s continued dedication to excellence in luxury hospitality and guest experience.

We are pleased to welcome Sam Panetta as our new General Manager. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success across Accor’s luxury and premium brands.

Sam is known for his strategic leadership and people-first approach. As he steps into this new chapter at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sam will oversee all facets of hotel operations, team development, and continued innovation in guest experience. His deep understanding of the Sydney market and strong industry relationships position him as a valuable leader as we continue to elevate our service and offering.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam to the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour family,” said a spokesperson for the hotel. “His passion for excellence and collaborative leadership style make him a natural fit for our team.”

We are equally proud to announce the internal promotion of Roberto Carrillo to Director of Sales. Roberto has been an integral part of the Sofitel team since 2019, previously holding the role of Associate Director of Conference & Events. His contribution to the success of our MICE strategy, particularly in the conference and events space, has been nothing short of exceptional.

Roberto brings with him a strong background in hospitality sales, having also held senior roles at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and Taj Hotels. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s sales efforts across all segments, continuing to build strategic partnerships and drive growth for the property.

“Roberto’s promotion reflects his commitment, leadership, and in-depth understanding of our clients and business,” said the hotel’s leadership team. “We are confident he will thrive in this next phase of his career.”

These appointments mark an exciting chapter for Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour as we continue to build on our reputation as Sydney’s premier luxury hotel for leisure and business travellers alike.