Leadership Team

Born and bred in Ireland, Will settled in Australia almost 20 years ago to work with the Roche family, developing the popular Harrigans Irish Pubs chain, assisting in the establishment and as General Manager of Hunter Valley Gardens, incorporating the southern hemisphere's largest commercial attraction garden as well as numerous associated hospitality businesses.

In December 2008, Will ventured to Newcastle, to operate a well known hotel and since has owned, grown and managed a number of successful restaurants, cafes, bars and accommodation offerings, as well as establishing numerous community events. Will has committed himself to help position the Hunter as a tourism destination, to ensure it continues to grow through events, infrastructure, experiences and activities and to advocate to all levels of government.

Will can often be spotted with his wife Karen and stepson Max (the tap dancer), taking in the activities across the region, from their home in Newcastle.

Recognised for excellence in customer service, whether in a consultative capacity to an external client, or internally to divisions within the business.

Specialising in business development and revenue-driving strategies, Simon initiates key partnerships for landlord acquisitions and cultivates authentic relationships for retention.

Simon is an aspirational leader. With complete involvement in all facets of hospitality management, he championed teams of over 100 staff to achieve awards and dramatically increase revenue. When faced with unprecedented adversity, Simon navigated Peterson House Ltd through COVID-19 pandemic, retaining key staff and driving innovative, digital-based strategies that led to a significant increase in gross profit during the problematic 2019-2021 period.

Simon was General Manager for a Newcastle Beach hotel from its successful opening in 2010 as The Sebel by Mirvac Hotels and through its acquisition in 2012 by Accor Hotels. He expertly transitioned the rebrand of the hotel and navigated the existing team into the Accor Hotels culture, and assisted Accor Hotels to source and navigate new ownership some months later. Under Simon's dynamic management, the Novotel Newcastle Beach was listed as #1 on Trip Advisor and #1 on STR in the Newcastle market in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

A powerhouse in the local tourism and hospitality industry, Simon welcomes the opportunity to cultivate the industry that he forged his career in. He has served on a number of local tourism boards, including as stand in Chairman of Newcastle Tourism Industry Group and as a member of Hunter Tourism. During a stint based in Nelson Bay Simon served as Deputy Chairman of Destination Port Stephens and most recently Simon was a Board member of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association.

Good luck trying to catch up with Simon out of work - he's probably already out exploring on a weekend away, sailing at a regatta, stopping by the latest art show or music gig, or trying out the new local restaurant with his wife and children.

Nicole has a can do attitude and is highly proficient in logistics, problem solving and ensuring great customer service. She recognises staff potential to ensure the team continues to learn and grow.