Justine Baker steps down as Solotel CEO

After more than 20 years with Solotel, Justine Baker has made the decision to step down as CEO of the group, with Elliot Solomon appointed to take over the role.

Baker will continue as an advisor for the Solotel Board, but decided to step down as CEP so that she could pursue other opportunities in her career.

Solomon will take over responsibility for the group’s 25 pubs, bars and restaurants on 1 March 2021.

Baker said: “I am really proud of my achievements at Solotel and of the strong and highly experienced senior leadership team that will be supporting Elliot.

“After a wonderful 20 years with Solotel, it is the right time for me to take on new challenges and look for Board opportunities within the broader food and beverage industry. I will be maintaining my advocacy work on Sydney’s night-time economy as a Board member of the Night Time Industries Association.”

“Working with Bruce Solomon has been a privilege and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Solotel. I greatly respect both Bruce and Elliot and am thrilled that I am able to continue to work with the Solotel Board and advise on strategic projects for the company.”

Solotel Founder, Bruce Solomon thanked Justine for her time with the company, and also welcomed Elliot into the new role.

“Justine has been such an important part of Solotel and the broader industry for the last 20 years and she has left an incredible legacy. We are very pleased she will remain as an advisor to the Solotel board, working on strategic projects,” Bruce said.

“As a fourth generation Solomon in pubs and restaurants, hospitality is in Elliot’s DNA. Becoming CEO is the natural next step and I’m looking forward to a new chapter in the business led by Elliot.”

Elliot added: “I have been lucky to work with and learn from Justine over the last few years and she is one of the industry’s best. She is someone you trust implicitly and know that even in the toughest of times, she is right there at your side working through it all.

“I am really excited and energised for 2021. With the support of a strong team, as well as working alongside Bruce and my sister Anna, I’m looking forward to exploring new opportunities and innovative ways for us to work in the new COVID-normal landscape.

“Most of all, working with the incredible people in our venues and doing what we do best – creating fun and memorable experiences for our guests in our pubs and restaurants.”

Elliot has worked in pubs since he was 18 and at Solotel for 10 years and he holds a Bachelor of Law from UTS and an MBA from London Business School.