Lachlan Furnell – Chief Executive Officer

Lachlan has over 25 years’ experience within hospitality working for market leading organisations both in Australia and overseas including Qantas, Accor, Mirvac and private companies including Clubs, pubs and sporting organisations. Positions held include State Manager, National General Manager, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Lachlan has a wealth of experience and a history of success transforming business models, improving service standards, food and beverage operations, product repositioning and unifying team cultures. His strong financial acumen, operational expertise and sales and marketing experience has led to monumental improvements to P&L performance, increased customer bases and development of brands.

Chris Casalaina – Finance Manager

With 19 years in the hospitality industry working in the finance sector with Mirvac Hotel Group, Accor Hotels and the Mantra Group, Chris was an integral part of the set-up team for two Sea Temple properties in Port Douglas and Palm Cove, Sebel Maroochydore, and Soul Surfers Paradise (2011). Working with regional teams to initiate the financial and procurement functions of each property, Chris also worked closely with Owners, Management and Body Corporate stakeholders incorporating reporting lines and strategies within each business model. Also, Chris has 9 years’ experience in the banking sector working through from customer services to lending areas.

Jean-Marc Ruzzene – Executive Chef

Jean-Marc comes with over 30 years experience as a qualified Chef and Executive Chef who has worked in kitchens all over the world including the Sofitel Fiji, Sheraton Skyline UK, Westin Philippines Plaza, Stamford Plaza and Calile Hotel in Brisbane as well as Government House. His experience in managing kitchens and operations across multiple venues and his understanding of food costs, controls and operating procedures brings with him invaluable experience to the QCC Group as we expand.

Beverley Herbener – Administrator / HR

Beverley is a professional administrator with 15 years experience in all aspects of Executive and Personal assistance, office management, administration, event management, HR, banking and finance and customer service. Holding key roles within corporate industries such as Niclin Constructions, Great Southern Bank and SEQH, Beverley is the lynchpin that holds the business together utilising her experience to ensure all facets of the business are supported and managed effectively.

Samantha McNeil – Director of Sales and Marketing

Samantha has 20 years’ experience in sales starting her career in Real Estate in 2003. Working in sales for the number 1 agent in Queensland, Samantha managed upwards of $35 million in property sales each year, before moving into Property Management for 8 years. Managing a portfolio of 200 residential investment properties, Samantha’s experience includes property letting, lease negotiations, arrears management between 1-3% and a strong understanding of legislation and market knowledge. Samantha moved into hospitality sales in 2013, joining the Queensland Cricketers’ Club as Sales Manager. Following continued success in this role Samantha was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing in 2018. Overseeing the Functions & Events Department, Sales & Marketing budgets and managing all corporate hospitality needs for each event day at The Gabba, Samantha is focused on exceptional customer service and delivering over and above our clients’ expectations, excelling at communication, attention to detail and event day management. Samantha boasts an excellent an understanding of local marketing initiatives and strategy.

Jennifer Conlon  – Catering Manager

Jennifer is a hospitality professional with an extensive history of working in operational and administrative support roles within the events and hospitality sectors. Having been both a business owner as well as managing previous roles with The RNA Showgrounds and Queensland Rugby Club here in Brisbane, and Food and Desire in Melbourne, Jennifer has had incredible exposure to managing events and food and beverage operations across multiple venues. Within these roles, Jennifer managed all stages of many events from the initial enquiry through to the delivery of the event and post-event follow-up and reporting and boasts skills, knowledge, and experience in coordinating multiple events across multiple venues. Her understanding of food & beverage, costs and operating systems means her invaluable knowledge is put to great use when meeting budgets, dietary requirements for all event and player catering and operational procedures are managed from woe to go.

Chelsea Ardrey  – Group Functions Manager

Chelsea joins the Group with an events background working in Australia and America in all facets of functions, both front and back of house. Completing her degree in Events Management and Tourism, Chelsea has worked her way up from an operational standpoint to now overseeing the Groups’ multiple venues and coordinating all internal and external hirers for their events. Chelsea’s customer first focus and operational understanding makes her a valuable asset to the business, with her ability to coordinate, recommend, manage and direct all enquiries across the Group to ensure the most appropriate outcome for the client.