Your Host

Alex began his career in New York City after graduating with honors at Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland. Alex established a number of business ventures, initially focusing on hospitality and real estate valuation. He joined HVS International New York, and he established a new venture at the Cushman & Wakefield headquarters in Manhattan.

In 2005, Alex began working for Kingdom Hotel Investments, founded by HRH Prince Al-Walid bin Talal, and was employed to asset manage a large portfolio of luxury, full-service hotels in 21 countries in Europe, The Middle East, Africa and Asia. In 2007, Alex founded Global Asset Solution, which provides expert oversight and asset management in the hospitality industry. This Lodge marked the beginning of the hotel management company within the Global Asset Solution group. After 10 busy yet very successful years, Alex rediscovered his passion for the outdoors, sports, and adventure when he met his partner Fred Novella. Inspired by Fred's passion with New Zealand, they decided to take over the lodge in 2009.

Origin of Our "Savoir-Faire"

Fred began his career in New Zealand with Thai Airways International as Airline Traffic Controller. This experience led him to New Caledonia, where he managed the entire Air New Zealand operation. Fred returned to New Zealand in 2000, this time to invest in a hotel joint venture in Rotorua. While maintaining and supervising his assets, Fred was appointed Hotel Operation & Residential Marketing Manager for Quest Apartment Hotel Group.

In 2004, Fred's entrepreneurial leadership led him to the opening of a Middle East airline. The Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways went from 5 to 37 aircrafts during his time there. These roles enabled him to work very closely with many nationalities and develop his ability to work with diverse cultures. Fred's experience and skills gained led to the formation of Global Asset Solution. The Lodge management was a natural step when the opportunity came, redefining it with each new experience and his genuine passion for New Zealand.