Managing Director of ALH Hotels, Mario Volpe, has sadly passed away after a long illness.
The news of Volpe’s death was announced this week by Endeavour Group.
“It is with great sadness that the Board and Management of Endeavour Group Limited (ASX:EDV) regret to advise that Mario Volpe, Managing Director, Hotels has passed away following a long illness.”
Volpe was a passionate leader within the hospitality industry, and started his lauded career with ALH as a glassy at Wanneroo Tavern in Perth in the 1980s. By the 2000s he was working in management roles for the likes of Fosters Group and Spirit Hotels, before returning to ALH in 2016, and then appointed as MD in 2022.
“Mario’s career with Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) started in the 1980s at the Wanneroo Tavern, a hotel which remains part of our network today. Testament to his talent and love of the industry, Mario was appointed Managing Director of the hotels business in 2022. He was a true custodian of our pubs, bringing to life their unique history and stories, and a kind and authentic leader,” reads the Endeavour Group statement.
“The imprint Mario left on this business, our people and the industry is enduring. He will be fondly remembered and missed by us all.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mario’s wife Jacqui, his family, friends and loved ones.”
AHA National and Victorian president David Canny noted what an impact Volpe had had on the hotel sector and his peers.
“Mario was an outstanding contributor to the hotel sector – a legend in hospitality.
“He was a man with encyclopaedic knowledge of our sector, was well respected and liked by all and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Paul Walton will continue acting as the Managing Director of Hotels, as initially advised in June 2023, with Endeavour Group to provide a further update on the role in due course.
Australian Hotelier and Food and Beverage Media would like to extend its condolences to Mario Volpe’s family, and the ALH Hotels and Endeavour Group teams.