Introducing new Geelong GM Cameron Baker

Following the appointment of Marion Bayley as CEO of Deakin Residential Services, recruitment quickly began for new General Manager of Student Residences in Geelong, a role working across the Waurn Ponds and Waterfront residential precincts.

DRS are delighted to announce that Cameron Baker has moved into the role, bringing a wealth of experience from the hotel industry, most recently managing Mantra in Lorne. We caught up with Cameron to get some insights into how the move has been from him, and what he’s looking forward to in the new role.

It must be a big shift moving from the hotel industry to student accommodation. What drew you to this role and what are you most looking forward to about it?

The opportunity to enter a new industry and test my leadership skills was the key driver in my interest to join Deakin Residential Services. I want to continue to learn and expose myself to new challenges and see this as such a great opportunity to join the DRS team. I’m most looking forward to seeing our team continue to deliver great resident experiences, to drive engagement, retention of residential students and to support our teams’ ongoing development and aspirations.

What has been your impression of Deakin and Deakin Res so far?

The first impression in a new workplace I believe is the people and I have been so grateful for the very warm welcome from everyone, and the passion and commitment everyone shows for their roles. It’s exciting to become a part of this team. The vision for DRS is very clear, which excites me for 2022 and beyond.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Geelong before moving to Ballarat for University then lived in Melbourne and NSW, but was always keen to get back to Geelong one day to live! I’m a keen golfer, do enjoy gardening, and love footy. I’ll be at all the Geelong home games without fail, and with my wife Fi working in AFL for the Western Bulldogs, our house is very football focused during the season! Fi and I have been married 5 years now and have two amazing kids with Esther being almost 4 years old, and Ned turning 2 this year.

How are you finding the change in commute?

A really great change of routine - the last five years I’ve commuted to Melbourne or Lorne daily so this is the first time as a parent I can be at work or home in 10 minutes. The opportunity to assist more with day-care and kindergarten is something I’m really looking forward to, while continuing to support my wife’s career demands and aspirations.

Tell us how you feel in the lead-up to welcoming new and returning students for 2022

Very excited to see our new Ressies commence their journeys with us, while also very much looking forward to seeing our returning students experience what will hopefully be a more normal residential and university year. I’m looking forward to seeing our team in full operations, while ensuring I support and lead our team forward in 2022 with positivity and consistency.

Thanks to Cam for sharing his answers, and we at DRS are delighted to have him with us. Keep an eye out for him at the football!