Meet Our People
We're an international team that thrives on building meaningful connections with our customers, our community, and each other. When we shine, our guests know they are part of something extraordinary. Read about some inspiring pathways our current Skyliners have followed below:
Dean Johnson
Job Title: General Manager
Team: Skyline Luge Busan
Department: Management
Years at Skyline: 17 years
I started my career at Skyline in 2007 as an Administrator in the Admin department.
After spending a year in the Management Trainee programme, I progressed into the Activities Manager role at Skyline Rotorua.
After 8 years, I ventured overseas to work as a Project Manager at Skyline Luge Sentosa, before taking on General Manager roles at our sites in Mont-Tremblant, Singapore and now in Busan.
“I’ve worked quite a few years now at Skyline, but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re having fun. I have been lucky to work in a variety of roles around the world and love that no matter where you are, you can always count on the friendships and relationships within the company. It shows how strong the culture lives within Skyline.”
Alyana Ayo
Job Title: Pastry Chef and Baker
Team: Pastry
Department: Kitchen
Years at Skyline: 8 years
In 2016, I was working at Starbucks trying to save up for culinary school when an opportunity came up for an apprentice pastry chef at Skyline Queenstown. I was 18 and I was so stoked I’d finally landed a kitchen job.
It took me almost 5 years to finally get my qualification as a Pastry Chef and Baker which has been immensely rewarding, especially with the sheer support I’ve received from my Skyline family.
Currently, I’m the sole baker and pastry chef in our bakery department, making fresh breads, muffins, and scones for the café and restaurant, but I’m in the process of transitioning as a Conference & Events chef for upskilling purposes.
“The best thing about working at Skyline is undoubtedly the people that I get to work with, from all the different departments, not just our kitchen team. Being a naturally introverted person, this company has helped me branch out and flourish into the person that I am today. I’ve become more confident, striving to take on more senior roles. The opportunity of working in different areas within the company is a highlight, which is why I look forward to working in a different area in the kitchen. This change to me represents growth as a chef.”
Nitin Brijwal
Job Title: Food and Beverage Manager
Team: Management
Department: Food & Beverage
Years at Skyline: 13 years
I started my Skyline journey as a part time F&B attendant in 2011. I was new in Rotorua and was always curious to come up the hill.
It’s been an amazing journey since; from F&B Attendant to Team Leader, F&B Supervisor, Duty Manager, Restaurant & Bar Manager, Assistant F&B Manager and since 2019, I have been part of the senior management team as Food & Beverage Manager, supporting and leading the F&B team, Conference & Events and the Stores & Cleaning teams.
I am grateful to have been an integral part of the Market Kitchen upgrade, the Stratosfare Launch and more.
“I have met some great people and finest professionals in our industry at Skyline Rotorua. It’s the people I work with, the work environment, and the experience I have gained that I cherish the most. All the active and passive learnings at Skyline have shaped me not only as a better professional but also personally.”
