Our People
Gabe Diver
Group Operations Manager
Gabe is a skilled hospitality professional with 10 years of experience in operations across service-driven businesses in both Australia and Canada.
No stranger to multi-site operations, Gabe's experienced in leading precincts with over 250 staff. A leader of high-performance culture, Gabe is passionate about developing teams that deliver consistency and excellence in product & experience for guests.
Sophie Eastwell
General Manager
Sophie draws on her experience, having worked in iconic food and beverage institutions, to continue to push the boundaries in food and service – bringing her honed skills and a passion for hospitality to Whalebridge. Sophie, through our Leadership Program, found value in developing her personal skills to provide clarity and support, creating an inspired and high-performing team that delivers a memorable guest experience.
Montana Taffs
Senior Marketing Manager
Montana is a strategic and integrated marketer with extensive experience in leading and developing multi-channel marketing programs. Passionate about building brands, she has adopted an innovative, creative and analytical approach to deliver communications that increase brand engagement, with proven success in developing and executing marketing campaigns.
James Wicks
Managing Director
James has over 25 years of experience delivering impeccable returns for high volume businesses in Australia. He is known for running tightly managed venues which deliver exceptional returns to shareholders as well as delivering value for money to the customer.
Brett Sergeant
Managing Director
Brett Sergeant is one of the country’s leading hospitality executives, possessing an unrivalled level of success and experience across a diverse suite of sectors. He has over 20 years’ experience leading some of the country’s most successful and high-profile food & beverage and gaming businesses.
Iris Kleimann
Marketing Director
Iris is an accomplished, highly strategic marketer with extensive experience. She possesses the commercial understanding required to build successful brands. Her focus is driving and affecting change – building and transforming brands and businesses. She is a creative, innovative yet practical thinker with an ability to deliver communication that changes brand perceptions.
She is a passionate leader - focused on organisational culture and building high performing teams.
David Clarke
Culinary Director
A highly experienced, award-winning Executive Chef with over 20 years in the food industry, David is committed to building brands, leading & mentoring chefs and developing menu styles that continue to innovate the food scene in Sydney. David has overseen the overall food direction for a multitude of hatted venues including Quay Restaurant for 5 years.
Lawrence Wilms
Head of Creative
Lawrence is a multi-disciplined designer who’s worked across a multitude of sectors—hospitality, fashion, retail, commercial, property, and architecture to name a few. During his 13 years of experience, he has honed a toolkit of skills to create progressive and effective work that delivers. From scope to champagne (and everything in between) his personal and professional aim is to encourage, educate and make the journey an enjoyable one.
Nick Mitchell
General Manager
Nick is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years’ experience managing high profile venues in Melbourne.
Recognised for his leadership and expertise in building high-performing teams, Nick’s global experience spans Melbourne, Berlin and Adelaide. His passion for crafting exceptional beverage programs, including curated wine lists and standout cocktails, has cemented his reputation in the industry.