Experienced hotelier Ken Orr is the new general manager of Millennium Hotel Queenstown, bringing more than 20 years’ experience with the company to the role.

Orr has worked for Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand across various managerial and operational positions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. 

He stepped down from his most recent role with the company as vice president of operations in June 2025 to relocate to the South Island of New Zealand.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown will soon unveil the refurbishment of its 220 rooms, including 15 suites.

Regarded as a popular conference hotel, it is home to the biggest hotel ballroom in Queenstown and can host up to 600 guests theatre-style.  

“It’s great to be back in my spiritual home,” says Orr.

“My first experience working with Millennium Hotels and Resorts was at the hotel 29 years ago so it’s great to come full circle and live and work in such a superb part of New Zealand.

“I’m looking forward to activating the hotel with our conferencing and group market and enjoying some of the best golf in the world in Queenstown.”

Melanie Beattie, vice president sales and partnerships at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand, welcomes Orr to the role.

“Ken is exactly the right person to lead Millennium Hotel Queenstown into this exciting new chapter,” she says.

“Ken knows this market inside and out and his deep knowledge of our operations will be invaluable as we continue our property refurbishment program.

“This is fantastic news for our hotel and a win for Queenstown’s hospitality sector.”