MEET THE TEAM

Dr Hewson has had several careers in academia, public service, business, politics, and the media.

He is currently a Professor in the Crawford School of Public Policy at ANU, and an Adjunct Professor at Curtin, UTS, Canberra and Griffith Universities, having been Professor and Head of the School of Economics at UNSW, and Professor of Management and Dean Macquarie Graduate School of Management at Macquarie University.

He has worked for The Australian Treasury (Census and Statistics), the IMF, the Reserve Bank, the UN (UNESCAP), and the ADB, and often advises senior public servants.

In Business, he was a Founder of Macquarie Bank, Chairman of ABN Amro Australia, and Chair/Director of a host of public and private companies, with current positions in renewable energy, and funds management and investment banking.

He is Chair of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia and The Ocean Nourishment Foundation & Patron of the Smart Energy Council and Overseas Bankers Association. In Politics he has served as Advisor/ Chief of Staff to two Federal Treasurers and Prime Minister, as Shadow Finance Minister, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Industry and Commerce, and Leader of the Liberal Party, and of the Federal Coalition in Opposition.

‍Hear more from John Hewson on why HVL Hotels is a truly special investment opportunity.

Dominic Lambrinos has over 30 years of experience in property investment, finance and development of numerous construction projects across the East Coast of Australia and was recently the Managing Director and co-founder of Chifley Securities, one of Australia’s largest non-bank property development lenders specialising in construction finance.

He has development knowledge covering several disciplines and works together with a large network of experienced development and construction specialists.

Dominic has a background as a Chartered Accountant becoming a Partner at 27 and leaving to later purchase his first Hotel at 36.

He founded a finance lending business and has provided many Billions of dollars of finance specialising in Construction projects and has been involved in the ownership and operation of numerous hotels.

Dominic is a highly regarded educator and speaker on the conference circuit and has created several finance courses for businesses.

Dominic oversees the development, investment decisions, policies, systems and governance of the CEO.

‍Learn more from Dominic on the innovative vision driving HVL Hotels.

Ross has had a long and successful career in High-Net-Worth Family Offices managing investments, capital assets and substantial property holdings. His expertise in accounting and finance as well as property development and management spans over 30 years.

Ross was responsible for the development of the Tasman Hotel in Hobart, a Marriott Luxury Collection brand which featured in the coveted list of best hotels in the world, as voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Hotel also ranked number one in Australasia and 21st globally.

Kevin Cranfield is managing director of a large Sydney practice of Chartered Accountants and is one of the firm’s founding directors.

He leads his business advisory services team and was also involved as a second director of the audit and assurance practice. Kevin Cranfield was also a Sydney member of the Bentleys Australia Board.

With over 25 years in the profession, Kevin has acted as a professional advisor to a diverse range of high-net-worth individuals and businesses in the small to medium enterprises (SME) market, including those of Hotels.

Kevin takes a hands-on approach to working with his clients and has become an integral part of many of his client’s businesses, working closely with them as their trusted advisor.

Kevin provides his clients with strategic and commercial advice on all aspects of taxation, accounting, and advisory services. He has assisted clients with business performance reviews, mergers and acquisitions, business sales, planning and restructuring advice, and outsourced CFO services.

He is a passionate philanthropist and has been involved with a large number of not-for-profit and charity organisations, including indigenous corporations, a women’s hospital in Africa, a charity preserving Australia’s arctic heritage, a large community college, and other registered charities.

Kevin was also proud to sit on the audit committee for Anglicare in NSW.

Brian McGuigan established his position as one of Australia’s foremost winemakers and marketers when he founded the Wyndham Estate Wine Company at Dalwood in the Hunter Valley in the 1970s. As Managing Director of the Wyndham Estate Group, he built one of the most successful wine companies in Australia.

Following the sale of Wyndham in 1991 Brian established a new company; Brian McGuigan Wines, in 1992 through a publicly listed company.

In the fifteen years that he was a Managing Director of the Company growth has been extraordinary, with total sales approaching 10 million cases.

Brian’s faith in Australia to produce premium quality wines is evidenced by the fact that the McGuigan Company now controls and manages some 18,500 acres of vines throughout Australia putting it amongst the top grape growers in Australia and the world.

Exports continue to be a major focus of the McGuigan Wines operation. At present in excess of 67% of total production is allocated to satisfy the demands of the International market.

The success of McGuigan Wines in Europe, the USA and New Zealand has been outstanding and with the quality of McGuigan Wines supported by their policy of controlling their own Vineyards the future of export sales seems assured.

‍Learn from Brian McGuigan how Ben Ean Estate’s legacy and world-class wine make HVL Hotels a standout opportunity.

Petersons Wines enjoys widespread recognition in the Hunter Valley and across the Australian wine industry, from its origins in 1964 with the purchase of Glenesk Mt View by Colin’s parents, Ian and Shirley.

15 years later, Petersons produced their inaugural vintage, marking the start of a 40-year collaboration with Winemaker, Gary Reed.

Colin has led the family business since 2000 when he sold Wollundry (Calais Estate) and opened his Mt View winery and Savannah Estate cellar door. His wine business now grows over 30 grape varieties across its NSW vineyards and employs over 250 people.

In 1992, Colin had a vision to produce traditional method sparkling wine and nearly two decades on, Peterson House is the hub of sparkling wine in the Hunter Valley.

In 2017, Colin and Brian McGuigan purchased Ben Ean, the former Lindeman’s Estate, returning the property to its 174-year historical roots of the Hunter. Taking the business overseas, Colin has expanded with Petersons Wines Singapore and China, capitalising on the demand for Hunter wine in these markets.

Over his career, Colin has mentored and collaborated with winemakers and grape growers across the region, with perhaps the best yet to come by mentoring his daughter Savannah.

Kevin is a proven Project Director and leader with over twenty years of experience in the property industry, delivering large-scale hospitality and mixed-use developments and precincts.

He holds an MBA in International Business with a technical background in structural engineering and commercial contracting, and his international experience contributes to a versatile skillset and approach. He has been part of successful private startup firms as well as large scale public and private organisations and was recently part of the ownership team of a consultancy firm that was acquired by Deloitte.

His portfolio includes the successful delivery of major hotel projects such as the renowned Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in regional New South Wales and The Standard in Los Angeles, California. He has also overseen the planning and completion of prestigious mixed-use developments in Sydney such as Mark Moran Vaucluse, Opera Residences, and the City Tattersalls Club redevelopment, demonstrating his strength in leading complex, high-value projects from concept to completion.

As Project Director, Kevin brings strong strategic leadership, risk management and commercial acumen grounded in experience to ensure a positive and dynamic project delivery.

Stephanie brings more than two decades of experience working across luxury brands, public relations, destination marketing, and brand strategy.

As Brand Experience and Marketing Director at HVL Hotels, she leads the group’s communications, brand positioning, and commercial growth initiatives.

Stephanie’s career highlights include working with leading Australian food, drinks and destination agency, The Cru, and founding House of Airlie Public Relations in 2014, the Hunter Valley’s first niche communications agency, widely recognised for its reputation and success in promoting Australia’s oldest and most visited wine region.

Over the course of her career, she has worked alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and respected figures in wine and led the national marketing launch and rebrand for iconic Australian wine label, Mount Pleasant.

Passionate about hospitality and tourism brands, Stephanie is known for her strategic thinking and creative approach to brand building. Her dedication and expertise have contributed significantly to the growth and elevation of the brands and industries she has worked with throughout her career.

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Matt brings over 15 years of experience across property development, commercial real estate investment, and capital structuring along the Australian east coast, with a strong focus on bridging capital allocation and project delivery.

As Operations Director at HVL Hotels, Matt oversees day-to-day operations, investment execution, operational performance, and the delivery of the group’s development pipeline from concept through to completion and ongoing management.

Prior to joining HVL Hotels, Matt held senior positions at Solido, where he led credit and due diligence across a broad range of investments spanning residential, commercial, and special-use assets. Across his career, he has overseen more than $1 billion in property investments and development projects throughout New South Wales and Queensland.

Nikki brings extensive experience across skincare, wellness, and luxury guest experience, with a strong passion for innovation within the spa and longevity space.

As Spa Director at HVL Hotels, she has led extensive international research into wellness facilities, treatment technologies, spa equipment, and emerging wellness concepts, playing a key role in shaping the vision and design direction of VERAÏA Longevity Spa to deliver a truly unique and immersive guest experience.

Prior to joining HVL Hotels, Nikki founded and successfully sold her own skincare business to a private company. 

Bella brings more than 15 years of international experience across hospitality, business operations, executive management, and project coordination, underpinned by an MBA and a strong passion for the luxury hospitality and hotel sector.

As Chief of Staff at HVL Hotels, Bella works closely alongside the Managing Director, supporting strategic initiatives, operational alignment, stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of the group’s luxury hospitality developments. Acting as a key link between leadership, consultants, and project teams, she plays an integral role in driving execution across the business.

Her expertise spans executive operations, process optimisation, project coordination, investor communications, and cross functional collaboration within complex and fast paced environments. Bella is recognised for her strategic mindset, strong organisational leadership, and ability to bring alignment and momentum to large scale projects.

Throughout her career, she has worked across a range of international luxury hotel and business environments, developing a reputation for operational excellence and a service driven approach to leadership and delivery.

Tarak brings more than 30 years of international experience across finance, operations, audit, strategy, acquisitions, development, and asset management within the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles including CFO, Owner’s Representative, Asset Manager, and Director of Finance across Australia, India, the Maldives,Thailand, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Tarak has worked with globally recognised companies and luxury hotel brands including Ernst & Young, Four Seasons, InterContinental, Ovolo, and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts.

He holds multiple finance and business qualifications, including an MBA in Finance, and has also completed Hotel Operational Finance and Asset Management programs at Cornell University in the United States.

Randolph holds a Master of Accounting and Marketing from the University of Tasmania and is currently completing the CPA Program.

As Accountant at HVL Hotels, Randolph supports a broad range of financial operations including creditor payments, payroll, reconciliations, interest payments, and monthly reporting, helping ensure strong financial control and operational accuracy across the business. He also assists with investment onboarding processes, coordinating documentation, system setup, and internal communication to support efficient operations.

Prior to joining HVL Hotels,Randolph worked with Hobart City Council as a Finance Officer, supporting financial operations, budgeting, reporting, reconciliations, and payroll functions. He continues to build his expertise across hospitality finance, asset management, and strategic business operations.

Shani brings more than 20 years of experience across procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management within the construction materials, defence, and engineering sectors.

She is recognised for her ability to build strong supplier partnerships, engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and deliver meaningful cost and process improvements across complex projects.

During her six-year tenure in Asia, Shani established greenfield sourcing frameworks and led innovative procurement strategies that improved efficiency and streamlined delivery. At HVL Hotels, she continues to apply her data-driven approach and technical expertise to support high-quality project outcomes through structured procurement and collaborative supplier relationships.

Stephen is a Registered and qualified Town Planner with over 35 years of experience in the town planning, local government and property industries.

As town planner for the Project’s Hotel development, Stephen is an active contributor to local planning issues and holds various positions and qualifications including:

• Fellow of the Planning Institute Australia
• NSW Government appointed Chair & Expert Town Planner to Local Planning Panels (LPP)
• LPP Expert Town Planner to the Blue Mountains and Central Coast Councils Alternate LPP Chair at Hawkesbury & Wingecarribee Councils
• Regional Planning Panel representative Central Coast, Gunnedah & Cessnock Councils
• Regional Planning Panels expert Town Planner Recipient of Multiple Planning Awards
• Hunter Committee Property Council Australia

Justin North’s career began in New Zealand where he followed his passion for French cuisine, working and learning from some of the best chefs in Europe including, three years at the two Michelin-starred, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons with Raymond Blanc. Upon returning to Sydney, he joined one of Sydney’s most exciting kitchen teams, Banc, with Liam Tomlin at the helm.

Between 2001 and 2012 Justin ran his own restaurants, including Bécasse, which evolved into one of Sydney’s premier dining spaces, being named in the ‘Top 100 Restaurants in the World’ in 2007. The restaurant also won the coveted Sydney Morning Herald ‘Restaurant of the Year’

.Justin was awarded the title of 2009 ‘SMH Chef of the Year’ and was named ‘GQ Chef of the Year’ at the Man of the Year Awards in 2010.

Justin is the author of two award-winning books — Bécasse: ‘Inspirations and Flavours’ and the recently re-published ‘French Lessons’. In 2014 he published his third book ‘Family Cooking’ with Penguin Australia. Justin has authored many articles including a sustainability opinion piece published in The New York Times.

Justin’s media credits include Masterchef Australia and Junior Masterchef, as well as appearances and cooking segments on Nine’s Today Show; The Morning Show on Channel 7, The Lifestyle Channel as well as SBS and Channel 10.

Justin’s insight is second to none, and he brings a wealth of experience and a hands-on approach to any project he works on. His finger on the pulse approach to the hospitality industry, is a true asset to his clients and his genuine love for hospitality always shines through.

‍Discover Justin North’s vision for HVLH – where exceptional food, art, and dynamic spaces create a memorable guest experience.

David heads Belmo Group, the luxury hotel management company engaged to operate HVL Hotels, delivering high-touch guest experience driven by technology with a human touch, while achieving exceptional long-term financial outcomes.

Formerly Managing Director of Spicers Retreats, David led the strategic direction and growth of the portfolio and brand for over 10 years, culminating in the successful sale of the group.

Jon is one of Australia’s premier wine experts.

A well respected member of the wine fraternity and a legend in Sydney wine retailing who has been serving customers with the finest wines from all over the world from a procession of wine makers and private cellars for more than 40 years.

Osbeiston formerly curated the wine cellar for the Wine Bank at the Golden Century, Barangaroo’s Bel & Brio, Prince Wine Store, and was best known for Ultimo Wine Centre.

Jon is responsible for building the wine cellars for the Hotel sourcing some of the best wines from the Hunter Valley, across Australia and around the world.

Renato is a strategic and highly experienced end-to-end meeting and event professional creating customised experiences in a diverse range of environments.

His strengths include: building relationships internally and externally, expanding the use of digital tools to manage effective outcomes and project- manage deliverable ‘brand-activations’ for a favourable ROI on events.

Renato prides himself on creating memorable events along with an ability to consistently meet competing deadlines from multiple stakeholders whilst ensuring events adapt to a diverse range of cultures and demands.

British and Australian artists, Gillie and Marc have been called “the most successful and prolific creators of public art in New York’s History” by the New York Times.

Creating some of the world’s most innovative public sculptures, Gillie and Marc are redefining what public art should be, spreading messages of love, equality, and conservation around the world.

Their highly coveted sculptures and paintings can be seen in art galleries and public sites in over 250 cities. These include monumental public exhibitions for wildlife, including The Last Three (NYC), King Nyani (NYC), and The Orphans (London).

The artists are best known for their beloved characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, who tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together to become best friends and soul mates.

As unlikely animal kingdom companions, the Rabbit and the Dog stand for diversity and acceptance through love.

Gillie and Marc believe art is a powerful platform for change.

Their art is multi-disciplinary, paying homage to the importance of togetherness, as well as the magnificence of the natural world, and the necessity of preserving it – for we are it, and it is us.

Adnan is a seasoned capital-raising executive with 15+ years leading multi-million-dollar fund raises across Australia and Asia.

He combines deep structuring and investor-relations expertise with hands-on project delivery—securing seven- and eight-figure equity commitments from wholesale and sophisticated investors. He is currently leading the capital-raising for HVL Hotels.

Adnan holds dual MBAs in Investment Management and Business. He is known for data-driven strategy, disciplined execution, and a track record of turning real-asset opportunities into high-yield, sustainable ventures.

Michael brings a wealth of experience in client engagement and investor support. He works closely with wholesale and sophisticated investors throughout their involvement in the HVLH offering, ensuring a smooth and informed investment experience.

Michael holds qualifications in Financial Services and Management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). He is committed to clear communication, professional integrity, and delivering high standards of service across all investor interactions.

Andrew is a financial services professional with eight years of experience across leading investment banks and hedge funds. He previously worked as an execution trader at a top-performing hedge fund in Geneva and London. 

Andrew places strong emphasis on building trusted relationships and delivering an exceptional client experience. He brings a client-first mindset to his work. 

Outside of work, Andrew is a keen golfer and enjoyed watching Rory McIlroy complete his career Grand Slam at the Masters in 2025.

Joining the team in early 2024, Ryan contributes over a decade of expertise in account management and customer relations, complemented by a robust background in sales and marketing. He is known for his passionate approach as an account manager, consistently aiming for optimal client outcomes.

Beyond work, Ryan indulges in cooking and enjoys hosting gatherings for family and friends, cherishing moments with loved ones. His interests span from Golf to Rugby League, reflecting his deep-rooted passion for sports.

Daniel brings over a decade of experience in sales and client engagement, with a strong background in the payments and banking sector. His fintech expertise gives him a sharp understanding of financial products and investor needs, allowing him to guide wholesale and sophisticated investors through their investment journey with clarity and confidence. Daniel is passionate about building long-term client relationships and ensuring every investor feels supported from first conversation through to completion.

Outside of work, Daniel is a keen golfer and avid sports fan with a particular love for rugby league and soccer.

Adam brings over 20 years of experience in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship to the HVL Hotels investor relations team. He holds a Master’s in Business from the University of Wollongong and has built a diverse career developing and managing several successful companies across multiple sectors.

Sabab is an experienced investment professional with 10+ years in client-facing roles across leading fund managers, specialising in capital raising and private markets. He has a proven track record working with institutional, wholesale and HNW clients, with a strong ability to translate complex investment strategies into clear, investor-focused insights.

Sabab combines deep product expertise with relationship management capabilities to drive engagement, build trust and support long-term capital growth.
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Sabab holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Finance from the University of Technology Sydney.