Tales of the General
Before he spills any wild tales from the GM’s chair, we thought we’d flip the mic and get to know the man behind the name. Christos Pavlidis has just landed at Ovolo South Yarra, and let’s just say, we’re already intrigued. What makes him tick? What makes him Ovolo? Read on and find out for yourself…
Tell us about yourself in one sentence. I’m a passionate and driven leader who loves creating unforgettable experiences for both guests and teams, blending creativity with operational excellence.
What is something you always have stocked in your fridge? A great bottle of Champagne — because every day can be a celebration.
What attracted you to wanting to work in the hospitality industry? I’ve always loved the energy of hospitality — the ability to make someone’s day better, create memories, and work in an environment where no two days are ever the same. That passion started early when I completed my chef apprenticeship, and it’s only grown stronger as I’ve moved through different facets of the industry.
In your opinion, what is the difference between service and hospitality? Service is what you do for someone; hospitality is how you make them feel while doing it — it’s the emotional connection that turns a simple transaction into a lasting memory.
What are you most excited about when it comes to Ovolo South Yarra? I’m excited about the opportunity to create a truly unique and vibrant guest experience that reflects South Yarra’s creative, eclectic spirit — and to build a team culture that feels just as special.
What is something you are nervous about when it comes to Ovolo South Yarra? Only that the bar is set high — and I’m my own toughest critic when it comes to living up to the standards I believe our guests and team deserve.
What is one of your fondest memories you will never forget from your experience working in hospitality? Opening COMO The Treasury at The State Buildings in Perth as the pre-opening GM of Hospitality — bringing that iconic space to life with an incredible team was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and seeing it transform into a world-class destination still gives me goosebumps.
What is your favourite speech of all time? Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech — a reminder to stay hungry, stay foolish, and trust your own path.
If you could win any award, what would it be? The “Lifestyle Hotel of the Year” at the HM Awards for Ovolo South Yarra, paired with being named in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards — because it would reflect not only industry recognition but also genuine guest love for what we’ve created: a hotel that’s bold, soulful, and unforgettable.
Why should people come stay at South Yarra, now that you are the GM there? Because we’re not just offering a place to stay — we’re offering a bold, fun, and deeply personal experience that captures the very best of South Yarra’s creative spirit, delivered by a team that genuinely cares.