Leigh Stock Returns to Helm as Edgewater Wānaka’s New General Manager

The Board of Edgewater – Lake Wānaka announces the appointment of Leigh Stock as the new General Manager of the premier lakeside accommodation. Stock, who previously held the role from 2003-2014, returns with extensive hospitality management experience and a deep understanding of the Wānaka region. His official start date is March 6, 2024.

Stock’s impressive resume includes leadership roles as Senior Accommodation Manager for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, General Manager of the Accommodation Portfolio for Skyline Enterprises, General Manager at The Hermitage – Aoraki Mount Cook, and his current position as General Manager at Holiday Inn Remarkables Park in Queenstown.

In announcing the appointment, Board Chair Andy Macfarlane comments that Leigh is passionate about Wānaka and Edgewater.  “He also brings expertise in running hotels while undergoing refurbishment – a critical skill as Edgewater continues with the next stages of the refurbishment programme, whilst the hotel remains open and operational.  He is an ideal fit for the role”.

Edgewater is a 103-room hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Wānaka, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled access to the region’s renowned outdoor activities.  The hotel boasts a variety of amenities, including the acclaimed Edgewater Restaurant, all-weather tennis courts, a rejuvenating spa, a sauna, a putting green, bike hire, a helicopter pad, and a ski-drying room.

Leigh Stock’s return coincides with Edgewater’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. Colin McClean, the current General Manager, has expertly guided the hotel through its post-COVID recovery and the initial refurbishment phases, including the successful opening of the first stage of newly refurbished Premium rooms in December 2023. Stock will represent Edgewater at TRENZ, New Zealand’s leading tourism industry trade event, in May.  Edgewater, a proud supporter of the ‘Love Wanaka’ initiative, holds a Qualmark 4.5-star Gold grading and Toitū accreditation, underscoring its commitment to sustainable tourism.

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