Steamships is pleased to announce the appointment of Damian Cooper as Head of Division for Steamships Hospitality.
Managing Director Chris Daniells said: “Damian joins us at an exciting time as we continue to strengthen and grow our hospitality portfolio. Damian’s deep operational expertise, development background and strategic vision will play a critical role in supporting Steamships’ long-term growth ambitions and reinforcing its position as a market leader in Papua New Guinea.”
An accomplished hospitality executive, Cooper brings more than 20 years of global leadership experience across luxury, upper-upscale and mixed-use hospitality operations throughout Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific.
His career includes senior leadership positions with leading international brands such as Marriott, Starwood, Westin, Sheraton, InterContinental, Radisson Blu, Anantara and Swiss-Belhotel.
Cooper is widely recognised for his ability to lead complex operations, drive commercial outcomes and build resilient teams in challenging environments. He has managed some of the region’s largest hospitality assets, including properties with over 600 rooms, extensive MICE facilities, and workforces exceeding 500 employees. His career highlights include Michelin-starred operations, multiple Marriott awards, board-level experience, and regional leadership roles across APAC, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
His expertise spans full hotel operations, post-COVID repositioning, major refurbishments, rebranding, crisis management, and large-scale development projects. Under his leadership, operations have consistently delivered above-market and record GOP performance while building high-performing and resilient teams.
Prior to joining Steamships, Cooper served as General Manager – Hotel & Development at The Stanley Hotel & Suites, leading a flagship five-star hotel and mixed-use precinct.
Steamships welcomes Cooper to the executive leadership team and looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to the company and its hospitality division.
