"I think I was just ready for the next step, looking for new challenges," she says, having spent just over seven years at the golf course resort.
Though familiar with hospitality, she admits gaming’s new to her, though staff have been a wealth of knowledge.
"I think it’s an amazing venue and the team are fantastic. I’m just really excited because I think it’s got so much potential.
"I really want to look at enhancing the frontage and making sure people know where to come, but then, once they’re here, obviously we want to just make sure the offering’s going to be outstanding and in line with that SkyCity brand.
"And I think we can really revamp the event offerings."
Youell says following post-Covid belt-tightening, "with my marketing hat on I just see the opportunity get some quick wins".
She’s referring to the likes of a new lunch offering, dinner and drink combos, cocktail of the week and happy hours.
"I would absolutely love to ... transform this venue into a destination that’s not just for internationals but also encourages the locals that it’s a great place for events, for food, for everything."
Originally from Australia, where she worked on newspaper sales in Darwin and as an event sales manager at a resort, Youell moved to Queenstown in 2017 and got her Millbrook job the next day.
Her immediate casino boss, SkyCity Hamilton GM Michelle Baillie, a former GM here, believes she’s the perfect fit to lead it into its next chapter.
"We’re confident her wealth of experience and passion for innovation will be invaluable and will add to the expertise of the current Queenstown management."
Youell’s taken over from Jono Browne who was GM for nearly 10 years and is now GM of Pete Jefford’s Wolf Hospitality Group.
