Graceland welcomes new general manager
Graceland’s new General Manager, Charlene Ludick, looks forward to creating exceptional memories by delivering relaxing stays and exciting times at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club.
SECUNDA – Charlene Ludick took on the role as the general manager of Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club on June 1.
She joined the Peermont Group in 2018 and describes herself as a well-travelled person with global casino industry experience, coupled with several formal qualifications.
Education is key for Ludick, who holds a Master’s in business administration.
Her journey with Peermont Global began in April 2018 at Thaba Moshate Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort, followed by a move to Peermont Global Botswana in November 2019, where she held the position of regional general manager and led the team through the Covid-19 pandemic.
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She then joined the Umfolozi Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort in Empangeni in September 2021. When the opportunity in Graceland presented itself, Ludick was excited to be selected as a successful candidate.
Ludick, a foster mother of two daughters, said her taking on the role as Graceland’s general manager is to provide leadership, contribute towards stakeholder value, optimise operations and ensure a sustainable performance that exceeds expectations.
“The gaming and hospitality industry was the first to close when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and then the last to become fully operational with the lifting of restrictions,” said Ludick.
With the drastic knock that the tourism, casino, and hospitality industries took during the pandemic, Ludick said she would ideally like to see them trading at 2019 levels by the end of 2024 or mid-2025.
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“A lot is happening globally and in our South African economy at the moment, but it is a cycle like every other. At one point, things have to start going up.”
To Graceland’s loyal, long-standing members and local community that supported Graceland in the 25 years they have been open, Ludick said, “I thank the community for their continued support. Without your support, we would not be here.”
She looks forward to leading the team to continue creating exceptional memories by delivering relaxing stays and exciting times.
As for her team at Graceland, Ludick said, “I am fortunate to have a highly experienced team that is diverse, experts in their respective fields and representative of South Africa.”
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She said the Graceland team is an example of Peermont’s transformation agenda and female empowerment, with most of her senior leadership team members being women.
In the days since taking on her role as GM, Ludick said, “I have seen a team that has a vested interest in Graceland and who puts their best foot forward consistently.”
She said it would be foolish of her not to tap into the collective intellect of a long-serving team with knowledge and understanding of Graceland and its community that loves to visit it.
