Andrew Edsor still remembers his very first night working in hospitality. During the shift, he managed to spill not one, but two trays of champagne coupes over a guest.
“Not an auspicious start,” he says now with a laugh.
Fortunately, he was given a second shift. That second chance would lead to a career that has spanned decades across some of Australia’s most recognised hospitality brands, and ultimately to his role as Portfolio Manager at Mandala Hotels & Resorts.
A Life Shaped by Shared Tables
Andrew grew up in Adelaide in a household where food and wine were more than just meals. They were the centre of family life and connection.
His entry into hospitality was not part of a long-planned career path. After returning from overseas travel, Andrew took a job as a waiter to help fund his next trip. Instead of another journey abroad, he found a profession that quickly captured his interest.
For several years, Andrew balanced work at night with study during the day. He immersed himself in every aspect of the industry, studying cookery, wine appreciation, cost control, menu planning, human resources, and marketing.
“I was a sponge,” he says.
What drew him in most was the unique combination of creativity, people, and business that hospitality offers, all centred around creating memorable shared experiences.
The Leaders Who Shaped His Career
Throughout his career, several mentors had a profound influence on Andrew’s leadership approach.
John Culshaw, founder of the Majestic Hotel Group, instilled a core principle that Andrew still carries today: everyone in a hotel matters. From reception and housekeeping to maintenance and operations, it is the entire team that creates a great guest experience.
Paul Constantinou AM, founder of Quest Apartments, demonstrated the power of entrepreneurial drive. Under his leadership, Andrew witnessed extraordinary growth, with more than forty Quest businesses opening within seven years.
Matthew Toms, former CEO of Art Series Hotels, reinforced another key lesson that Andrew believes strongly in today: leadership is the most important factor in any organisation.
“Leadership wins,” Andrew says. “Not strategy. Not systems. Leadership.”
The Path to Mandala
Andrew’s career took him across multiple hospitality organisations and locations.
He spent time with Quest Apartments before managing a flagship Sydney property for nine years, during which three of his team members went on to become successful franchisees of their own.
He later joined Art Series Hotels, working in Brisbane during the opening of The Johnson, before moving into roles with Accor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew led his hotel through one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced.
Despite the circumstances, the property remained open and delivered a profit.
“Something I am immensely proud of,” he says, “but do not wish to repeat.”
After a period commuting frequently between Brisbane and Sydney, Andrew began looking for a new opportunity that offered both challenge and diversity. That opportunity came with Mandala Hotels & Resorts.
With its mix of brands, properties, and locations, Mandala represented exactly the kind of environment Andrew thrives in.
“A diverse mix of businesses, brands, and locations,” he says. “What’s not to love?”
Supporting Leaders Across the Portfolio
Today, Andrew serves as Portfolio Manager for Mandala Hotels & Resorts.
Rather than simply overseeing operations, Andrew sees his role as helping hotel leaders step back and work on their businesses, not just in them.
He works closely with general managers across the portfolio to strengthen revenue strategies, improve cost management, and activate entire teams around sales and performance.
“I see my role as a coach and mentor who challenges and empowers,” he says.
For Andrew, successful businesses come down to two fundamentals: revenue and costs. His focus is helping leaders optimise both while building strong, engaged teams.
Leadership, in his view, requires both action and example.
What Makes Mandala Different
When asked what sets Mandala apart, Andrew highlights the diversity and flexibility of its portfolio.
Mandala’s ability to manage a wide range of properties, from independent regional motels to large branded city hotels, creates a unique operating model within the hospitality industry.
“We have the flexibility to successfully manage a small independent regional motel to a large-scale branded CBD hotel,” Andrew explains.
“We are Happily Different because we thrive on our ability to manage different.”
Looking Ahead
For Andrew, the future of Mandala is centred on growth.
Growth of the portfolio, growth of Mandala’s reputation as a trusted partner for hotel owners, and growth of the people within the organisation.
Having benefited from strong mentorship throughout his career, Andrew is passionate about passing that knowledge forward.
“I can share the mentorship I have been fortunate to receive,” he says, “so those I work with can be the best they can be.”
After decades in hospitality, Andrew’s journey continues at Mandala, bringing together experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of what makes great hotels truly work.
Andrew Edsor
Portfolio Manager
Mandala Hotels & Resorts