Mr Dickson joins with more than 20 years’ experience managing hotels, including as general manager of Novotel Geelong.
The $120 million 200-room property will open in 2026 and is being delivered as part of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct development.
Mr Dickson said it was an honour to be tasked with building a talented team of locals that can provide guests with the premium experience that Crowne Plaza is famous for around the world.
“This is a marquee investment in Geelong, and I want to ensure we get it right – bringing in the best people to provide the best service to locals and visitors,” he said.
The development is part of a total $250 million being invested in the convention centre precinct in associated retail, commercial and mixed-use spaces, and is being constructed by Plenary Group.
Plenary chief investment officer Paul Crowe said the hotel will be the biggest and best in the region and one that will mark the next phase of Geelong’s waterfront revitalisation.
“The hotel and retail offerings throughout the precinct will include cafes and restaurants for locals and visitors to enjoy quality local food and beverages and a public sky bar with some of the best views in Geelong,” he said.
“Our investment backs the future of Geelong as the beating heart of some of the greatest tourism attractions in Australia including world-class wine, produce, tourism attractions and major events coming out of Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road.
“We look forward to delivering a precinct that will strengthen and grow the tourism and major events industry in the region for decades to come.”
Plenary Group is also the lead proponent of the Plenary Conventions consortium delivering the adjacent $449 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project.
The hotel and convention centre precinct development is supporting around ,500 local jobs including priority jobseekers working in a range of apprenticeship skillsets and opportunities for women in construction.