Our People

MICHAEL PATTERSON General Manager / Director

General Manager / Director Michael grew up in the hotel. His family founded the Commodore in December 1971 when Michael was only 4 years old. Michael attended St Bede's College and then Christchurch Polytech before going on to complete a Traineeship with the Tourist Hotel Corporation. Gaining experience at the Hermitage Mount Cook, Wairakei Resort Taupo and the THC Te Anau, Michael also worked in Australia for Park Royal and Travelodge before returning home in 1994. Michael also worked at London’s Cumberland Hotel and he became General Manager at the Commodore in 1998. “I am very fortunate in that we have without a doubt the most wonderful collection of guests of any Hotel anywhere. We have an incredible team that is a pleasure to lead and the next few years will be very exciting in the life of the Commodore. We have some very exciting development plans... watch this space.” Phone: (03) 358 8129 Email Here

KEN PATTERSON Director

Ken is the middle Patterson boy and also grew up in the family Business. Ken completed a commerce degree at Lincoln University in the early nineties. He has since spent time working in Hotels in London, Sydney and Singapore. Ken has recently completed a National Certificate in cookery at Christchurch Polytechnic and is also a qualified Ski instructor. Phone:(03) 358 8129 Email Here

THOMAS PATTERSON Sales and Marketing Manager/ Director

Thomas is the third Patterson boy and the youngest of six children. After graduating with a marketing degree at Canterbury University, Thomas gained further hotel experience at the Boutique Adelphi Hotel in Melbourne before working in London’s largest five star hotel which also had owner operators. “It was great education working in a large 5 star property in the centre of London.” Thomas is married to Jo and has three children, William, Lucia and Elise. In his spare time, he is a passionate mulitsporter and has competed in The Ironman and Coast to Coast races. Phone:(03) 358 8129 Email Here

SALLY JURANOVICH GM's Personal Assistant

Sally has spent over 30 years in the vibrant Hospitality industry and has been here at the Commodore for 14 years. Sally is the Personal Assistant to the GM and also responsible for the Accounts Receivable Ledger which she is very passionate about! Sally gives her ‘spare’ time to Camp Quality Christchurch (children living with cancer) and tending to a 10 acre block of hazelnuts south of Christchurch. “If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” Phone:(03) 357 0255 Email Here

SUE MARSH Conference Manager

Sue’s interest in hospitality began very young when working in her family’s restaurant chain where she developed her passion for food and service. She pursued a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in the U.S. and has gained exposure to clientele from all around the world. With more than 20 years of working experience in the United States, Singapore and New Zealand, Sue finally settled in New Zealand, where she has worked for the past ten years at the Commodore. Phone:(03) 357 9863 Email Here

DEAN DING Head Chef

Dean came to New Zealand from China, when he was 21 years old. He studied towards a Certificate in Professional Cookery at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology between 2006-2008, where he received his chefs training. Dean went on to work at the Copthorne Durham Street, Millennium Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon, Peppers Clearwater, Breakfree on Cashel and also the George Hotel. Thereafter, he joined the Commodore as the Head Chef in Autumn of 2019. Cooking is not just Dean's job, it is also his hobby. Dean is very passionate about food and enjoys every moment working in the Kitchen. Dean's philosophy of cooking is: "simple but fresh"! Phone:(03) 357 9865 Email Here

MARC WOJTAS Food and Beverage Service Manager

Marc started at the Commodore as a fresh faced 19 year old back in the year of 2000. After gaining experience in different areas of the hotel he finally found his home in the food and beverage department. Marc left the Commodore in 2006 and spent several years working in the industry overseas. In 2014 he returned to the Commodore with a wealth of culinary knowledge and experience as well as a hefty credit card bill. Marc believes the Pattersons Restaurant has an opportunity to be something special and at the forefront of hospitality in not only Christchurch but also in New Zealand. Phone:(03) 358 8129 Email Here

CRYSTAL TAMOU Human Resources

Crystal has spent the last 20 years working in the hospitality industry. She spent the first 5 years at the Bayview Wairakei Resort Taupo, working her way up from waitressing to being the Fairways complex manager – a restaurant, bar, night club and gaming establishment. A planned year to Australia turned into six years where she enjoyed working in remote locations such as Ayers Rock and Hamilton Island. She is now in her 8th year at the Commodore and loves the variety her role brings. In her spare time Crystal loves spending time with her Husband and two sons. “We are spoilt at the Commodore with such a great array of guests and staff. It makes everyday a pleasure to come to work as no day is the same”. Phone:(03) 358 8129 Email Here

TIFFANY BOA Reservations Manager

Tiffany is the youngest of our management team, her career into the hospitality industry is just starting out. After completing a 9 month reception based internship at the Commodore for her Queenstown Resort College qualification, Tiffany returned bright eyed and ready to take on the industry. Throughout her 5 years at the Commodore she has held various positions from Receptionist, Reservations Assistant, Night and Duty Manager through to now Reservations Manager. Tiffany loves sport and is a country girl at heart, in her spare time you will find her on the Netball court or out in the back blocks of the Mackenzie country. Phone:(03) 358 8129 Email Here

AMANDA VON PEIN Executive Housekeeping

With 23 years service at the Commodore, Amanda has progressed through the ranks of Room Attendant, Housekeeping Supervisor before achieving the role of Executive Housekeeper. Amanda has an eye for detail and looks forward to all the challenges that this new role has to offer. Phone:(03)357 9871 Email Here