Odd Culture Group appoints new GM

Odd Culture Group has rejigged its leadership team and appointed a new group general manager as it gears up for a growth spurt.

The current group general manager, James Thorpe – who owns the group – will move into a newly created CEO role with group operations manager Jenna Phillips promoted into the role of group general manager.

The group has already seen significant growth over the last two years with the portfolio expanding to include Odd Culture Newtown, The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitzroy Hotel and The Oxford Tavern. 

The business says the leadership changes were made as a result of the group’s growth trajectory intensifying, with multiple new projects on the horizon this year and beyond. 

 “I am incredibly optimistic about 2022, and all signs point to it being one of the best years for trade that we’ve seen so far,” Thorpe said.

“I am eager to use my new position of CEO to drive the group’s expansion forward, push boundaries and innovation in the industry, and continue to empower my amazing staff.”

Phillips, who has just celebrated her three-year anniversary with the group, was a logical choice for the position, according to Thorpe.

Phillips said, “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to take on this new role and sink my teeth into developing the group as a whole and amplifying everything we’ve achieved so far.

“I am so proud of our venues, our approach to traditional food and beverage hospitality, but most noteworthy, the teams at the helm of each venue who make it possible for us to get out of bed each day and do what we love.”

The group is now on the hunt for Phillips’ successor and is currently recruiting to fill the position of group operations manager.

Thorpe said his focus on his employees has defined Odd Culture Group, resulting in the creation of the ‘People and Odd Culture Program’ in late 2021 as a way of formalising the group’s commitment to sustainable hospitality, training, mentorship, and growth for all full-time employees.

The program puts hard caps on service hours, makes time for intra-venue mentorship, personal development, and nationally recognised training, as well as giving each staff member a solid path for progression within the company.

 “Our mission is to be the best hospitality company in Australia and it’s incredibly important to me to be on this journey with the most talented and interesting people. We will continue to invest all the money we make back into our staff and venues to make the group the very best it can be,” Thorpe said.