Sydney, Australia - 17 March 2025 - Crystalbrook Collection, Australia's unique five-star sustainability-led hospitality company, is elevating its food and beverage experience with the appointment of Tara Sullivan as its Group Director of Food & Beverage. With over 25 years of experience leading hospitality teams, Sullivan brings a sharp eye for innovation, an instinct for crafting exceptional guest experiences, and an unwavering belief that great hospitality experiences start with great people.

Overseeing Crystalbrook Collection's 17 distinctive restaurants and bars, Sullivan steps into the role at an exciting time as the brand continues to shape upscale yet approachable dining experiences - where responsible luxury and creativity come together. Her extensive background in leading diverse teams and creating exceptional experiences aligns perfectly with Crystalbrook's commitment to sustainability and excellence. A natural leader with a flair for the unexpected, she thrives on fostering a culture where excellence and warmth go hand-in-hand.

Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment: “Tara's energy, expertise and passion for people make her the perfect addition to our leadership team. She understands that dining isn't just about what's served on the plate; it's everything from the atmosphere of the venue, to engaging local suppliers to create a unique and memorable experience for guests. With her at the helm, we're looking forward to enhancing our food and beverage experience in a way that feels fresh, thoughtful and always welcoming.”

An industry stalwart, Sullivan's career includes a standout recent role as Chief Operating Officer at Lotus Dining Group, where she played a key role in strategic expansion and hotel partnerships. She also held leading roles at The Grounds Group and Solotel, overseeing their diverse and large-scale operations. Beyond her venue leadership, Sullivan is a strong advocate for diversity and equity in the industry. She was recently appointed Chair of Women in Hospitality, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the hospitality careers of women through mentorship, education, and networking.

Speaking about joining Crystalbrook Collection, Tara Sullivan shared: “What drew me to Crystalbrook was its commitment to creating experiences that are both exciting and accessible. The company's approach to hospitality resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working with the team to create unforgettable dining experiences that reflect our values and vision, while having fun doing so.”

A champion of sustainable dining, Sullivan is committed to forging strong relationships with local producers and reducing food waste. She believes that hospitality lies in the details - from the way a cocktail is stirred to the stories behind the ingredients on the plate. Under her leadership, Crystalbrook Collection will continue to embed itself in driving forward the hospitality industry in Australia.

For more information on Crystalbrook Collection's bars and restaurants, click here.

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For further information:  

Shannon Mawer, Senior Account Manager

The Mint Partners

m: 0424 303 078

E: shannon@themintpartners.com.au

Sophia Bakopanos, Director, Brand Marketing

Crystalbrook Collection

m: 0436 632 210

E: sophia.bakopanos@crystalbrookcollection.com

About Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts

Crystalbrook is one of Australia's leading sustainably considered and innovative independent hospitality companies. Each hotel in the portfolio carries an authentic expression of its location, a passion for responsible luxury, considered design and a twinkle of fun for a uniquely enriching experience.

Crystalbrook's portfolio includes: 

• Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns, Queensland 
• Crystalbrook Albion, Sydney, New South Wales 
• Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay, New South Wales
• Crystalbrook Bailey, Cairns, Queensland 
• Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns, Queensland 
• Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle, New South Wales
• Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane, Queensland
• Crystalbrook Sam, Adelaide, South Australia (opening 2026)
• Crystalbrook Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (opening 2027)

Affiliate Hotel

• Sydney Harbour Hotel - George St, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales

The Group also owns and operates a collection of seventeen restaurants and bars and three Eleme Day Spas.

Responsible Luxury

Responsible Luxury and sustainability are at the forefront of the way Crystalbrook thinks and operates. At a glance:

• Operating a single use plastic free environment. No plastic straws, water bottles or single use bathroom amenity bottles (in the past two years the Group has saved over four million plastic bottles from entering landfill)
• Use of technology, such as in-room iPads and mobile check-in to create paperless environments and experiences
• Use of recycled and upcycled materials. Examples include key cards made from recycled wood, coat hangers made from recycled paper and toothbrushes made from sugarcane and corn starch.
• Working towards a target of sourcing 80% of fresh produce from within a three-hour drive of each hotel

Crystalbrook Collection and Ghassan Aboud Group

Crystalbrook Collection is part of Ghassan Aboud Group owned by international entrepreneur and philanthropist Ghassan Aboud. The group is a multi-business conglomerate engaged in automobiles, real estate, hospitality, FMCG, food, retail, bespoke catering, media and logistics. In business for more than two decades, the group operates from its global headquarters in the United Arab Emirates with offices in Australia, Belgium, Jordan and Turkey.