To'oto'olea’ava Mark Wendt has been appointed as the General Manager for Samoa Beach Resort, formerly known as Sheraton Mulifanua Beach Resort.

The appointment comes after the conclusion of the Marriott management agreement, with Samoa Beach Resort now proudly managed by its owners, Mulifanua Beach Resort Samoa Limited, supported by a newly recruited management team. 

To'oto'olea’ava is the first Samoan to become General Manager under the resort’s new owner-led management. He has more than 15 years of experience in aviation, tourism, and hospitality. 

He started his career with Polynesian Airlines and Polynesian Blue, helping rebrand the airline to Virgin Samoa and managing the Auckland base for Virgin Australia. He later returned to Samoa to work in hotels, helping rebrand Aggie Grey’s Resort and Aggie Grey’s Hotel into Sheraton Samoa. 

Over the years, he has held senior roles such as Director of Operations and Hotel Manager, gaining experience in staff management, operations, sales, and leadership. Wendt has also run his own business, showing strong skills in entrepreneurship and business management.

Leota Kosi Latu, Chairman of the Mulifanua Beach Resort Samoa Limited Board, said the appointment reflects confidence in local, experienced leadership.

“With the Resort now under owner management, our focus is on strengthening operations, investing in our people, and enhancing the guest experience. Samoa Beach Resort is entering a new chapter, and we are committed to its long-term success,” he said.