A woman smiling and holding a tray with six glasses of white wine in an indoor setting.

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.

  • A woman with long, straight brown hair, smiling, wearing a dark red button-up shirt and gray jeans, standing in a room with a wooden checkered conference table and black chairs. Overhead lighting fixtures are visible.

    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.

  • A smiling man with gray hair and a beard, dressed in a black shirt, standing in a modern dining area with a checkered table and black chairs, under pendant lights.

    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.

  • A smiling male chef in a commercial kitchen, wearing a black chef's coat and apron, with kitchen utensils and containers in the background.

    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.

  • A man with tattoos on his left arm holds a tray of fish in a kitchen with pots hanging on the wall and storage shelves above.

    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.

  • A young man wearing a white chef's coat and a wristwatch, standing with hands on hips in a commercial kitchen.

    Alex Fournier

    Menu Innovation & Development Chef

    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.

  • A man with a beard and short hair, wearing a button-up shirt and dark pants, is sitting on a wooden table with a checkered pattern in a room with plain walls. The photo is black and white.

    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.

  • A man with a mustache and short hair, wearing a white button-down shirt and light-colored pants, standing with arms crossed in a room with plain walls, a corner, and a table with a checkered pattern in the foreground.

    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.

  • A young man with a beard and short hair wearing a black t-shirt and black pants standing indoors against a plain wall, smiling, with his left hand in his pocket and right arm relaxed.

    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.

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a light-colored blazer over a white blouse, standing in front of a plain wall in an office setting.

    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.

A bartender in a green coat pours a red drink into a metal shaker at a bar with various bar tools and bottles on the counter.

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.