Team

CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ricky Jeffs offers over 35 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.

He has managed hotels across Accor Asia Pacific and Marriot International.

As a member of the ERDI Board of Directors Ricky Jeffs and the Board, share a vision to transform the current business portfolio to premium branded hotels that push the boundaries on design and function, while providing an exceptional guest experience.

BOARD CHAIRMAN

Board member and Chairman since 2013.

Jeffrey Pinch began practising law in 1981 and has worked at Marshalls + Dent + Wilmoth lawyers since in 1983.

He has extensive experience in commercial law, conveyancing, corporate and start-up companies, hospitality and tourism and property law.

BOARD MEMBER

Board member since 2013. Jeffrey Appel is Chairman at SBA Law and specialises in commercial structures, commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions generally, with an emphasis on large scale and complex commercial litigation including contract law, trade practices, building disputes and finance issues across a range of industry sectors.

Jeffrey is a Director of the Board of Jewish Care (Victoria) Inc and is Chair of the Building Sub-committee and Chair of the Gold Patrons Division of the Jewish National Fund Victoria.

Jeffrey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2014 for services to the community, particularly in the field of social welfare.

BOARD MEMBER

Board member since 2014. Michael Naphtali offers expertise in corporate advisory and investment services, having founded Hindal Corporate in 1996 and currently the Executive Director at Credit Suisse.

Michael was the CEO and director of the Pratt Group and Director with Hill Samuel, the predecessor to Macquarie Bank, and has also received a Member of Order of Australia (AM) for service to the community through executive roles with environmental, educational, sporting and Jewish organisations.

BOARD MEMBER

A Board member since 2022, Clare has more than 30 years of broad finance experience in consulting and in executive roles across the energy, retail, manufacturing, environment, and agri-business sectors, working in private and public companies. As the inaugural global GM Carbon and Sustainability for Incitec Pivot Ltd, Clare implemented a RONA positive, risk-based sustainability strategy and she retains a strong interest in environmental and social sustainability.

Clare serves and has served on multiple for profit and not-for-profit Boards in the environment, education, and consulting sectors as a non-executive director and as Finance Committee Chair.

Clare has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from Monash University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ANZ) and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Clare has also completed an Executive Leadership Course at Melbourne Business School.

CFO, ERDI

Matt Davoren has been Chief Financial Officer of ERDI since 2019 and has 20 years’ experience providing a full range of accounting, audit, advisory and corporate finance services to both private businesses and public companies.

Matt previous held senior finance roles across hospitality, hotels and property groups after spending the first 8 years of his career at Deloitte.

Matt is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and a holds a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance.

COO, ERDI

Steven Oakley is an experienced leader and business manager with a career spanning more than 25 years in the industry.

From independent multisite Food and Beverage operations through to 9 years with the bespoke QT brand including openings and extensive refurbishments.

Driving a large team for a collective common goal along with creating a pipeline of talent is what motivates Steve.

The ERDI values and aspirations align with Steve’s personal ethos and desire to deliver exceptional service to our guests and solid returns for our efforts.

DIRECTOR, TALENT & CULTURE, ERDI

Kathy Noonan’s love for hospitality and tourism began when she was studying, having worked in various roles from food & beverage attendant to 14 years’ experience in various Human Resource roles within the industry.

In a role where no two days are the same, Kathy is inspired to build the business and team to strive for success, continually pushing the boundaries and experience of our hotel guests and ensuring our team members share the same passion and drive for the industry.

DIRECTOR, RISK & COMPLIANCE, ERDI

With over three decades of experience in the travel industry, Rebecca Ferguson has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas including sales, marketing, and distribution. Rebecca has held various senior leadership positions in several prominent travel companies and joined ERDI in 2015 to oversee the group’s Sales and Marketing strategy.

More recently, Rebecca has transitioned into Risk and Compliance, where she helps navigate complex regulatory environments and mitigate risks.

Rebecca is also championing our acceleration of sustainable solutions in our hotels.

DIRECTOR, MARKETING, ERDI

With a passion for the hospitality industry, Alex has extensive marketing experience in different large hotel groups including The Langham Hospitality Group and TFE.

Alex has a keen interest and expertise in online digital strategy, creative direction, branding, social media strategy as well as website design and function.

Alex joined ERDI in 2022 and is excited by bringing the ERDI brands to life in innovative ways whether it’s at one of our hotels or one of our excellent bars or restaurants. Alex loves all things travel and exploring Melbourne’s amazing food scene.

GROUP DIRECTOR, SALES, ERDI

Chris is an experienced hotelier and commercial leader with a progressive career spanning over twenty years in business development, account management, marketing, communications and operations in recognised luxury and mid-market hotel brands including Pan Pacific hotels Group, Intercontinental hotels Group, Langham Hospitality Group and Constellation Hotel Group.

Joining the ERDI team in January 2023, Chris is focused on ensuring exceptional customer experiences at all points of the customer journey, designing commercial strategies and plans to support retention and growth while working closely with hotel sales teams to drive performance.

With a natural love of travel, Chris has visited over sixteen countries with still so much left to explore.

GENERAL MANAGER, PULLMAN MELBOURNE ON SWANSTON & MERCURE WELCOME

Having worked his way up the ranks from a Food & Beverage attendant to now General Manager, James Muscat has worked in the hospitality industry for 16 years, managing Hotel Urban St Kilda, The Jasper Hotel, and now a 534-room hotel complex - Pullman Melbourne on Swanston and Mercure Welcome Melbourne.

James oversaw the 18-month $30 million rebuild of The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure to Pullman Melbourne on Swanston and manages a team of 230 employees.

James makes it a priority to develop his team of employees to grow and progress in their careers and enjoys crossing paths with those that have moved within the hospitality network.

GENERAL MANAGER, NOVOTEL GEELONG

John Dickson has 30 Years hospitality experience within city and resort style hotels in 3, 4 and 5 star properties.

A New Zealand national, John is a past Victorian and National Australian Hotel Association President (Accommodation).

John started with Erdi Hotel Group in 2013 in Melbourne before transferring to our Sydney Urban Hotel in 2017.

He is currently the General Manager of Novotel Geelong.

GENERAL MANAGER, SAINT KILDA BEACH HOTEL

Toby Colgrave has a varied career in hospitality with experience working for many hotel groups.

Toby loves the variety that comes with a hotel role as well as the fact that you meet so many interesting people along the way.

Toby joined the St Kilda team in February 2023 and looks forward to taking the newly re-branded Saint Kilda Beach Hotel to new heights.

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Having worked in the hospitality sector for 20 years and in the construction sector for 14 years, Ryan has extensive experience in hospitality, engineering, and project management.

He has worked on large-scale projects in Australia and the UK and holds a Bachelor of Civil and Structural Engineering. Ryan’s experience ranges from project managing retail construction, mining infrastructure upgrades and hotel construction to international multibillion-dollar developments, including a $2 billion four-tower residential, hotel, and retail development in Melbourne CBD.

Joining ERDI in June 2023 Ryan oversees all major projects for the group.