Our people are what set Cookes apart. A team of thoughtful, intuitive hospitality professionals who show up with care, creativity, and quiet confidence. They’re the reason every event feels effortless, personal, and unmistakably Cookes.
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Sophie Storen
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Inspired by time spent in Paris and London, their approach is grounded in seasonality, sourcing and thoughtful restraint. Every menu is shaped around the people, the place and the moment, creating experiences that feel personal and deeply memorable.
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Johnny Korkou
Chief Operating Officer
With decades of hospitality experience behind him, Johnny brings calm leadership and sharp attention to detail to everything he touches. Equal parts strategic and hands-on, he ensures every moving part works seamlessly behind the scenes.
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James Vardis
Executive Chef
Driven by creativity and a deep respect for ingredients, James’ cooking is generous, refined and full of flavour. He leads with confidence in the kitchen, setting the standard for food that’s as beautiful as it is memorable.
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Shem Fitiao
Head Chef
With deep experience across hatted kitchens, boutique hospitality and private catering, Shem brings a balance of craft, curiosity and high standards to every service. His cooking is thoughtful and contemporary, shaped by open-kitchen experience, strong team culture and a genuine love for creating refined, memorable food.
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Alex Fournier
Head Chef, R&D, Menu Development
Having worked across respected kitchens locally and abroad, Alex’s style is rooted in seasonality and thoughtful execution. His menus are crafted with intention, elevating each event while letting the ingredients do the talking.
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Michael Hasan
Operations Manager
Bringing operational expertise and problem-solving instincts to every event, Michael is the steady hand behind the scenes. From logistics to last-minute changes, he makes sure everything runs smoothly and without fuss.
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Lachlan Buhagiar
Operations Support
Lachlan brings calm structure to every event, overseeing planning, logistics and equipment so the team is set up for smooth, confident service. His approach ensures consistency and ease across every Cookes experience.
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Georgia Bertisen
Digital Marketing Executive & Event Supervisor
Blending digital thinking with operational know-how, Georgia brings a fresh, well-rounded perspective to the Cookes team. Thoughtful, adaptable and detail-driven, she helps keep the brand moving with intention.
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Marwan Acherrat
Senior Event Sales Manager
Passionate about creating bespoke events, Marwan thrives on translating ideas into beautifully executed experiences. With a sharp eye and a collaborative approach, he guides clients through the process with ease and confidence.
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Amy Deluca
Senior Event Sales Manager
With years of experience delivering standout events, Amy balances precision with creative flair. Calm under pressure, she ensures every detail lands exactly as it should.
Service Staff
At Cookes, our service team is at the heart of every unforgettable event. They are the calm, confident presence that holds a room together, bringing warmth, intuition and professionalism to every moment.
We invest deeply in our people because exceptional service does not happen by accident. Our staff are trained with intention, learning how to read a space, move with ease, communicate with care and deliver hospitality that feels effortless and genuine. Their skill lies not only in what they do, but in how they make guests feel: welcomed, looked after and completely at ease.
Every event we deliver is unique, and our team adapts with it. They work closely with clients to understand the vision, tailoring their service style to suit the mood, pace and personality of each occasion. Whether it is an intimate dinner or a 200-person celebration, our staff bring a thoughtful, composed energy that elevates the experience without ever overshadowing it.
This dedication to craft, detail and human connection is what sets our service team apart and what makes every Cookes event feel quietly exceptional.