Gong joins Avani Kota Kinabalu from Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Star Bay.
Minor Hotels has appointed Winston Gong as general manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu, ahead of the hotel’s planned opening in the second quarter of 2026.
Gong brings international hospitality leadership experience across Australia, Asia and the Middle East, with a background spanning hotel openings, operational repositioning and performance-driven commercial management in both urban and resort environments.
Most recently, he served as general manager of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, as well as multiple pre-opening and renovation projects across the region.
At Avani Kota Kinabalu, Gong will be responsible for end-to-end hotel operations, including food and beverage, meetings and events, and team development.
Facilities at the 352-key hotel include four meeting rooms, a Chinese restaurant with an adjoining tearoom, an all-day dining venue, a lobby lounge and a rooftop SEEN bar, along with a rooftop infinity pool and a 24-hour gym. The property is located in Luyang, approximately 13 minutes from the airport.