Mr. May: Rob Weeden, Area General Manager, Shangri-La Hotels, Australia

At Shangri-La Sydney, gender equality isn’t a buzzword, it’s part of the business model. This month, we’re spotlighting Rob Weeden, Area General Manager for Shangri-La in Australia, as our Male Ally of the Month. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality and a career that spans continents and departments, Rob has not only climbed the ranks but helped elevate countless women along the way.

From growing up as an expat kid in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand to pivoting out of banking (very short lived) and into hospitality ("the more fun industry," as he puts it), Rob's journey is as global as the brand he represents. Now based back in Sydney, he's championing female leadership, flexibility, and forward-thinking tech solutions at Shangri-La. 

Here’s how Rob is helping rewrite the rules for women in hospitality—and why he believes the future of luxury lies in empathy, opportunity, and smarter, more human-centered use of technology.

Where are you from and how did you get into hospitality? 

I’m from Australia originally, though my father was American—a Marine turned forestry consultant who came here in the '60s and never left. I grew up in Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, United States and Burma. We moved and travelled a lot, so I spent plenty of time in hotels. That sparked a lifelong fascination. I actually started in banking but realized quickly that wasn't for me. Hospitality had the energy, fun, and people focus I loved. I waited tables, worked front desk, moved into sales, then marketing, and eventually operations and general management and corporate roles.

Who are some of the women who have influenced your career? 

First, my mum. She was a country girl from New South Wales, incredibly practical and resilient. She moved our family all over the world and kept us grounded. Professionally, Peggy Angeles and Barbara Pang stand out. Peggy was a VP at Shangri-La when I was just starting out, and she gave me my first international post in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We still keep in touch.

The Shangri-La Sydney is part of the iconic skyline

Any major lessons from working across different hotel departments? 

Definitely. As Zig Ziglar said, "If you're not face to face and belly to belly with your customers, you're not selling." That stuck with me. Sales taught me that everyone is selling, whether they realize it or not. As hotel leaders, we’re the ultimate hosts—selling experiences, trust, and connection. You can automate systems, but not the human touch. That’s what guests come back for. I’m also really optimistic about what’s coming in terms of technology. Things like voice AI and smart automation will handle repetitive tasks—like taking reservations—which means our people can spend more time focusing on what really matters: the guest experience.

You've seen a lot of change in hospitality—especially with women in leadership. What's your approach? 

Hire for attitude, train for skill. That’s always been my mantra. And honestly, some of the most resilient, creative problem-solvers I’ve worked with are women. I love a bit of disruption—it means we’re evolving. Our leadership team at Shangri-La Sydney is more than 50% female. That didn’t happen by accident. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

How do you support women returning to work or balancing caregiving? 

We’re lucky in Australia—good government programs, community support, and access to childcare help. But as an industry, hospitality has an edge: flexibility. We run seven days a week. That means rosters can adapt. Some of our rising stars work early mornings, others evenings—it’s about what works for them and their families.

Tell us about Shangri-La's partnership with Dress for Success. 

It’s an amazing organization supporting women who’ve been out of the workforce and helps them with re-entry. They offer coaching, wardrobe styling, and confidence-building. On International Women's Day, we hosted their CEO and had a huge turnout. The donations from our team—clothing, time, support—were inspiring.

High tea with a view is a popular experience at the Shangri-La Sydney

You have a daughter—any advice you've passed on to her or the women on your team? 

My daughter’s a lawyer working in debt capital markets, and I’m incredibly proud of her. My advice to her and anyone starting out: do your best, be brave, don’t fear failure. If you're not making mistakes, you're not learning. And above all, enjoy what you do. Life’s too short for anything less.

Quickfire with Rob

Morning routine? Shower, chat with my wife, and commute across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my daughter. That view never gets old.

Self-care? Golf. I’ve picked it back up now that my kids are grown. And Thursday pub catch-ups with my old rugby mates—we still call it "training."

Best advice you ever got? Make a difference. Help people.

Worst advice you ever took? That banking would be a rewarding career.

Current media obsessions? Harvard Business Review—I still read their Management Tip of the Day and love the monthly podcast.

Any final words for our readers? Luxury hospitality is a people business. It gives you the chance to travel, meet incredible individuals, and make a global network of lifelong friends. If you love people, service, and a challenge, there’s no better industry. And for women looking to lead? Now is your time.