Tony Balabanoff , City Lodge Hotels Divisional Director of Operations, retired on June30 after 47 years in hospitality and 39 years at City Lodge Hotels.
Balbanoff served as GM of three hotels, opened 16 new properties and led operations across 47 of the groups 58 hotels. He also co-founded the Housekeepers Association of Southern Africa to promote local talent and received the University of Johannesburgs School of Tourism and Hospitality Golden Circle Alumnus Award in 2013.
Recently, he received the South African Chefs Association Presidents Award from James Khoza .
Andrew Widegger , CEO of City Lodge Hotels, said: On behalf of City Lodge Hotels, we extend our deepest appreciation to Tony for his decades of exceptional service, inspirational leadership and unwavering dedication. Tonys legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our business. His influence can be seen in the culture he helped build, the standards he set and the many lives he touched along the way. We are grateful for the immeasurable contribution he has made to the group and wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.
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