Meet our team
Darren Baker
Director
Darren has over 30 years’ experience owning and operating small businesses and hotels. He was a director and responsible manager of Tankstream Funds Management Limited from inception of the Tankstream Pub and Leisure Fund as Waratah Hotel Group was then called. Darren is experienced in all facets of hotel operation. His primary areas of responsibility are investment fund management and hotel portfolio management.
James Templeman
Group Marketing Manager
James is an accomplished marketing professional with 15 years of experience specialising in innovative multi-channel marketing campaigns. He excels in leveraging expertise from direct response, offline, and digital environments to deliver effective branding and performance-based solutions. With a solid background in food and beverage operations management across diverse venues in the UK and Australia, James brings a unique perspective to his marketing approach. His strategic mindset, creativity, and industry knowledge consistently drive exceptional results in today’s competitive landscape.
David Male
Group Systems Manager
David has extensive hands-on experience in information systems, information technologies, and operations within the hotel sector. Over the past 12 years David has been responsible for overseeing the architecture and implementation of all operational and business support systems for hotels managed by Waratah Hotel Management including the Waratah Hotel Fund. David’s deep understanding in areas such as stock control and pricing has consistently delivered increased profitability through improved margins and a reduction in wastage.
Aaron Brown
Group Head Chef
Aaron has 13 years experience working in pub bistros. He began working for Waratah in 2013 and quickly rose through the ranks to become Head Chef. He has moved around to several of the Waratah venues growing his skills and teams in each venue and in 2019 was offered the position as Group Head Chef. Aaron continues to work closely with senior management in multiple venues training kitchen staff and enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills.
Dean Sutherland
Graphic Designer
Following a distinguished career in the music industry, Dean pursued his love of design, training with Meso Creative in Sydney, before founding On Tap Design as Creative Director. Focusing on the specialised needs of the hospitality industry, Dean went on to work with some of Australia’s leading hospitality businesses, such as Riversdale, Redcape and Taphouse groups, to name but a few. Dean’s appreciation and understanding of the need for quick, cost-effective and creative marketing campaigns ensures the Waratah Hotel Group has a unique point of difference.
Aaron Brown
Group Head Chef
Aaron has 12 years experience working in pub bistros. He began working for Waratah in 2013 and quickly rose through the ranks to become Head Chef. He has moved around to several of the Waratah venues growing his skills and teams in each venue and in 2019 was offered the position as Group Head Chef. Aaron continues to work closely with senior management in multiple venues training kitchen staff and enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills.