Our Executive Team
Peter McCloskey
Founder and Managing Director
With over forty years experience Peter McCloskey leads the strategic direction for The Fresh Collective. Originally trained as a classical chef, Peter launched the Mode Group Catering in 1989, which was to become one of the most successful caterers in Sydney. Peter founded Fresh in 1999 and has grown it to the successful company that it is today. Peter is known for his drive and passion and has been honoured with industry awards, both for his business ventures and charitable works.
Carl Contractor
General Manager
General Manager Carl Contractor, has more than twenty years’ experience in luxury hotels and resorts including the Marriot, Hyatt, Four Seasons and Starwood. His key senior executive roles have made him a decisive leader with a track record of developing award-winning food and beverage operations, capturing market share and driving profitability. Leading a team of seasoned venue and catering managers Carl oversees new openings and long term strategic goals for The Fresh Collective.
Julie Little
Director of Event Catering at MCA
Julie Little has worked alongside Peter at Fresh, as Director of Event Catering for over seventeen years. Having worked within the events industry for many years Julie brings a wealth of experience to the team and currently looks after events at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. During her time with Fresh, Julie has managed major events including The Autumn and Spring Carnivals at the Australian Turf Club, the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and the JP Morgan Challenge.
Jo Bennett
Director of Marketing and Sales
Jo Bennett is a senior marketer with more than twenty years’ strategic marketing, business development and leadership experience across a range of key categories, including retail, hospitality, destination and large-scale events. Jo is responsible for the marketing strategy, brand, digital and event sales at Fresh. Prior to joining Fresh Jo held senior marketing and operational positions at The Cru Media, Matt Moran’s restaurant group Morsul and in the UK with Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, Ian Schrader Hotels and Marco Pierre White.
Eva Leung
Director of Events
Eva is expertly skilled in all areas of Catering, Food & Beverage, Event Planning, and Hospitality Management gained from her industry experience in Event Operations at the Hilton Sydney, followed by Event Manager roles with the Dockside Group, and now with The Fresh Collective. Eva has managed many projects including 4 years of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, Sydney Contemporary Australasia Art Fair, Sydney Festival, Vivid and Sydney Writers Festival.
Jason Burrows
Executive Chef
Jason's experience spans over twenty years leading culinary teams in various food & beverage operations. Working for some of the best operators across Australia, including hatted restaurants and international hotel groups. Jason has been Executive Chef with The Fresh Collective since 2013 and is dedicated to providing an innovative, premium food offering to our clients.
Keith Higginson
Executive Chef, Retail Venues
Keith trained in Switzerland and London at Michelin starred restaurants including Satoria and Paul Rankin’s Roscoff. In Australia, he worked at Bistro Moncur and Bathers Pavilion, opened the fine dining Italian restaurant Aqua Luna and later, as Head Chef at the Tilbury. Keith has travelled through South America with celebrity chef Maximo Lopez and has worked on cookbooks with Bill Granger and with Gourmet Traveller. Keith is the Executive Chef for all retail outlets within Fresh’s portfolio.
Benjamin Hansen
Director of Human Resources
A successful and passionate HR professional, Benjamin looks after the development of the HR strategy for The Fresh Collective, aligned to the business goals and objectives of the company. Benjamin comes with HR experience gained in manufacturing, corporate and hospitality industries, specialising in talent management, policies and procedures, coaching, performance management and recruitment.
Jay Deo
Director of Finance
Jay’s experience comes from roles in the International hotel sector such as Director of Finance role at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney and previously in senior finance roles in Thailand. Jay holds a Bachelor of Arts - Accounting and Economics, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting, Law, and Information Systems. Jay is knowledgeable and passionate about the hospitality industry.
Edward Dereham
Director of Sales
Edward has over twenty five years of sales experience in hospitality, FMCG and entertainment both in London and Sydney. Edward’s key roles have included developing driven and successful sales teams while managing accounts for many of Australia’s iconic companies including major airlines, hotel chains, national restaurant chains and major sporting arenas. Prior to joining Fresh, Edward held senior sales roles for Luna Park, Hoyts, Staples and Brasserie Bread.
John Prunty
Service Manager
John oversees the service department for the Fresh Collective and is responsible for the rostering and training of all front of house staff. John has managed the service team for five seasons of Opera and has extensive experience in mobilising and training a large number of staff in order to deliver major events.