Notable NSW hospitality operator Fraser Short has announced that he is handing over the reins of his group The Sydney Collective, with Brett Sergeant appointed as CEO. Sergeant was most recently the CEO of Colonial Leisure Group, and before that COO of Merivale.
Short started The Sydney Collective a decade ago with the reimagining of the old Brooklyn Hotel in Sydney’s CBD into The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room. He has since built a portfolio of eleven pubs, bars and restaurants that include Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel (pictured), The Imperial Hotel Erskineville, Park House, Northies Hotel and Republic Hotel.
In the last six months The Sydney Collective has also expanded into New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, with three new acquisitions: The Farm, Lennox Hotel and Illawong Hotel. This growth in the business led Short to reconsider the management structure of the group.
“Sydney Collective has grown to a scale whereby the culture and people will only benefit from a proper governance structure. Brett comes with impeccable pedigree and has an amazing track record of delivering service excellence. He is equal parts creative, professional and an amazing cultural fit to the values of TSC.”
Sergeant has over 20 years’ experience leading some of the country’s most successful and high-profile hospitality businesses, including nine years at Merivale as COO and more recently as director of hospitality for Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited, and CEO of Colonial Leisure Group.
“I am thrilled to be joining The Sydney Collective team and working closely with Fraser on continuing to build a great Australian hotel business. I have watched in admiration as the business has grown over the last ten years and look forward to leading such a talented group into the future,” stated Sergeant.
Short has also appointed Jacqui Corbett, (ex AVC and Drink and Dine Group) into the role of COO and James Wicks, long-time friend and business partner into the role of CFO.
Short will continue to be involved in The Sydney Collective, but will turn his focus towards growth opportunities for the group and further developing the current assets.
Image: Watsons bay Boutique Hotel/Facebook
It is wonderful to be see such talented professionals appointed to positions which make businesses viable. Hard work and dedication and commitment underpin all the wonderful experiences we have as ‘ordinary’ diners. Congratulations for establishing and continuing a successful business.