Bayleaf Catering team is a dynamic and colourful team that covers a wide network of skills and specialties (if we do say so ourselves.) The team consists of chefs & kitchen crew, waiters, servers, bartenders, baristas and the administration & production teams. The following are the bios of some of the crew. If you are interested in a career with Bayleaf (click here)
Director
Chris Stubbs has been working within the corporate events, production catering and the hospitality industry for over 20 years. His experience includes managing the hospitality services and catering for large scale events like the Summer Olympic Games (Sydney & Athens), Winter Olympic Games (Salt Lake City), The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and ESPN X Games (summer & winter. ) Chris has worked with many Australian tours and festivals ranging from AC/DC, The Foo Fighters, Barbara Streisand, U2, Michael Jackson, Elton John and Kylie to festivals Big Day Out, Fat as Butter, Soundwave, V Festival and Parklife.
Chris' group of companies, which comprises of Bayleaf Catering, Star Grazers Catering, Events Kitchen and Mondo Bartenders, is sought after for their talented and unique experience catering to more refined corporate and private events like:
• The Steve Waugh Foundation Gala Dinner 1000 guests, 2007 & 2009
• The Woolworths Conference, 8500 dinner, 2009 on the turf of the Eagle Farm racecourse
• CANTEEN Colour My Life Three Course Dinner 700 guests, 2005, 2006 & 2007
• Opening of Sydney’s Lucas Heights Reactor with Mr John Howard, Prime Minister - 600 guests
• The Golden Stave Luncheon 1,000 guests, 2004 - 2012
• Cure For Life Foundation dinner, 1000 guests, 2007 - 2012 with surgeon Dr Charlie Teo
Chris oversees and manages all aspects of the Bayleaf Group's business interests. With an education in hotel management, he has built his company to a solid financial standing. He credits the sought after reputation and accomplishments of Bayleaf to the company’s focus on quality of service at every level. You will often find Chris on site at Bayleaf events or backstage assuring that the company’s high quality standards, service and delivery models are consistently monitored and maintained.
Head Chef
A dedicated chef, with strong leadership skills and focus on food costs. Hugh has a long standing relationship with suppliers in Sydney and purchases the best local produce he can find. A true “market” shopper, you will always find Hugh at the source, talking face to face with suppliers at markets, even on deck of our Fish Monger’s boats to check the catch of the day.
Hugh stepped on board with the Bayleaf Group of Companies from a long stint at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. Previous to this Hugh built on his skills at the Australian Jockey Club, Summit Restaurant and the Centennial Hotel in Woollahra. Hugh has a good head for café/restaurant kitchen operations and menu planning. He is the backbone of our commercial kitchen here in Alexandria, and an outstanding trainer of our food-loving chefs.
Business Development Manager
After several years working and living luxury products – notably Mercedes Benz and the international six star cruise line, Crystal Cruises – Carolyn joined Bayleaf to add an even more polished approach to developing our corporate sales and service. Carolyn brings with her skills gained from managing the onboard Client Loyalty and Events Program for Crystal Cruises, along with experience acquired from many years of business, in the leisure and events industries. Returning to Australia, Carolyn found her Sydney sea legs on Starship Sydney and The Pontoon, as their corporate sales manager, where she built up a loyal database of clients and friends. Carolyn is a true foodie who will delight in tailoring an event to meet your needs perfectly!
Creative Director
Anna is a Sydney-based designer and graphic artist. She has forged a reputation for vibrant designs through her work on major food and beverage projects for events across Australia.
Anna's love of culinary delights, art and design is shown in her published work of photography, “Café Republic of Australia – Sights, Stories & Flavours of Café Culture”. The book is a snapshot of Australian café life and has made waves in the latte froth of many caffeine-driven fiends across the country.
Anna has painted the drinks industry in new colours as Creative Manager for independent publisher, Drink Australia, working on projects for beverage brands spanning café and juice providers, boutique beers, Aussie wines, to spirits and liqueurs. Anna had also directed the concept and styling of many food & beverage services at exclusive events across Australia, raising the bar for the catering industry.
Financial Controller
Paul has over 30 years of experience, as an independent business consultant undertaking various assignments in business management and restructuring, accounting systems and department restructuring, business financing, international finance and leveraged investment programs and structured project funding. His clients have included BHP Newcastle, Sydney Water, EPA NSW, ACTU Water Division, WA Mines (Analytical Laboratory Division) and various private companies.
He has also worked in a range of chartered accounting practices in business services and audit. Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from University of New South Wales and is a past Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and past Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia.
Production Manager
In 2012 Dannielle returned to Bayleaf after a stint in the Hunter Valley and the London Olympics. She's the heart and driving force for the production team. Dannielle just couldn't resist getting back to touring and artist care with our touring division - Star Grazers.
Dannielle has toured with Radiohead, Coldplay, Matchbox 20 and festivals like Big Day Out, Homebake & Harvest.
Production / Logisitcs
Stefany joined the Bayleaf Group over nine years ago (Stefany is the old skool!) after a long stint at the famous eatery, Liquidity in Rozelle where she was part of the management team.
Stefany has taken the lead in the development of our logistics & operations departments and asset management with a focus on supply relationships and purchasing. These have all been achieved with huge success and demonstrated in our team’s daily work flow efficiencies and safe work practises.
Backstage and on tour, Stefany has been involved in all the big festivals from Soundwave, Big Day Out, V Festival and Homebake to national tours including the Foo Fighters and Eminem. With Star Grazers in demand in Perth, Stefany has taken the lead on recent tours including Kylie Minogue, Florence and the machine, Taylor Swift, Roger Waters and locally caring backstage for the Roxette, the Cranberries, Evanesence, Seal, 50 Cent, Rise Against, Cold Chisel, Duran Duran, Jessie J, Slipknot, The Hives & Katy Perry.
Head Chef, Western Australia
Robyn is a qualified chef with extensive experience in event catering. She heads up our west coast team. Robyn is a top chef and her creative menu design is amazing! She has extensive experience working for London’s lead catering companies as well as at a signature VIP restaurant for five star hotel and entertainment complex. She covers all areas of the kitchen, including catering for fine dining, private and corporate functions up to 1500 guests. She was recognised as Most Outstanding Final Year Apprentice.
Chef
Dave is a great chef and often the team leader in the kitchen at our large events. He runs the ovens which is no small task at events for 1000+ guests! He's been described as a 'work horse' which comes from his experience from working in some of Australia's best quality restaurants. He's often know as 'Captain' Dave as he's toured with our backstage division and catered for Soundwave, The Pogues, Big Day Out, One Direction, Smashing Pumpkins, Eminem & Foo Fighters to name a few.
Human Resource Manager
Elizabeth is Human Resources Manger and takes care of all daily HR matters from current awards changes, personnel recruitment, staff inductions and contracts. Elizabeth has spent the past 7 years working as a Speech Pathologist within the NSW Health service. She also has a degree in Psychology from Macquarie University. Not only does Elizabeth bring to us a wealth of experience she is another team member with a passion for food and cooking.
