MANAGEMENT TEAM

  • Patrick Coughlan

    Patrick Coughlan - Chief Executive Officer

    As the co-founder of both the Riversdale Group and the Australian Pub Fund, Patrick brings an exceptional blend of expertise to pub acquisition and management. Renowned for his turnaround success, he transformed a hotel consultancy business into a $250 million enterprise in collaboration with some of Australia’s leading corporate figures.

    Patrick is a results-driven leader with a keen eye for identifying emerging trends in the pub and hotel industry. His passion for innovation fuels his ability to optimise assets and drive growth. He excels in strategic planning, management restructuring, acquisitions, and asset sales, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes for his ventures and clients.

  • Dean Sammut - Group Executive Chef

    With over 30 years of industry experience as an owner/operator, head chef, and executive chef, Dean brings an unparalleled skill set to every project he undertakes.

    As Group Executive Chef of the Riversdale Group, Dean oversaw all food operations for the Australian Pub Fund portfolio. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition process of each asset and the development of innovative concepts such as Johnny Wong’s Dumpling Bar and Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen. Additionally, he successfully revitalised classic pub dining rooms across the Riversdale Group’s Sydney and Brisbane locations.

    A recognised industry leader in food cost and kitchen wage management, Dean has also developed proprietary software programmes designed to streamline and optimise these areas, further demonstrating his commitment to operational excellence.

  • Sam Taylor - Group Procurement Manager

    Sam brings 25 years of wine industry and bottle shop expertise to the team. He has held numerous management roles in the liquor industry, with a particular focus on retail.

    As the former Group Retail Manager of the Riversdale Group, Sam successfully executed the company’s strategy of developing independent, wine-focused stores. He played a key role in establishing the WINE SHOP brand, which was rolled out across inner-city venues.

    Sam’s core strengths lie in procurement optimisation, and he is widely recognised as an industry leader in delivering exceptional retail liquor gross profit margins.

  • Rodney Kelly

    Yehiel Rosales - Group Marketing Manager

    With over a decade of experience in strategic marketing, content creation, and campaign execution, Yehiel Rosales is a dynamic and results-driven marketing professional specialising in the hospitality industry. He has a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility, engage target audiences, and drive business growth.

    Yehiel’s expertise spans across digital and traditional marketing channels, with a strong focus on crafting compelling brand narratives, optimising customer engagement, and leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions. His deep understanding of the hospitality sector allows him to create tailored marketing solutions that resonate with audiences and align with business objectives.

  • Lloyd Segerstrom - Operations Manager

    Lloyd Segerstrom is a seasoned hotelier and licensee with over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Renowned for his strategic vision and operational expertise, Lloyd has revitalised notable venues such as the Boulevard Hotel, Bomaderry Hotel, and Hotel Bargo. He excels in enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering exceptional guest experiences. With a proven track record in financial management and team leadership, Lloyd is dedicated to achieving excellence in all aspects of hospitality operations.

ADVISORY BOARD

  • Patrick Coughlan

    As the co-founder of both the Riversdale Group and the Australian Pub Fund, Patrick brings an exceptional blend of expertise to pub acquisition and management. Renowned for his turnaround success, he transformed a hotel consultancy business into a $250 million enterprise in collaboration with some of Australia’s leading corporate figures.

    Patrick is a results-driven leader with a keen eye for identifying emerging trends in the pub and hotel industry. His passion for innovation fuels his ability to optimise assets and drive growth. He excels in strategic planning, management restructuring, acquisitions, and asset sales, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes for his ventures and clients.

  • Justin Harrison

    Wallaby No. 770, Justin Harrison, earned 34 Test caps for the Wallabies following his debut against the British & Irish Lions in Sydney (2001). With 98 Super Rugby appearances for the Brumbies and NSW Waratahs, including a Super Rugby championship in 2001, Justin’s rugby legacy is distinguished by both domestic and international achievements.

    Beyond the field, Justin’s career spans a variety of roles, including Head Coach of Racing Club Narbonne Méditerranée in France and employment with AFEX, a global payment solutions firm. As a founding partner of the sport and business consultancy group HuBe and the current Chief Executive Officer of the Rugby Union Players Association Ltd (RUPA), he continues to demonstrate his commitment to excellence and innovation.

    Justin is an ambassador for Rugby for Heroes and serves on the board of the Australian Athletes Alliance, showcasing his dedication to supporting athletes on and off the field. His expertise in leadership, teamwork, and cultivating organisational culture aligns seamlessly with the Ludlow Group’s mission to foster successful partnerships through innovation, honesty, and integrity.

  • Rodney Kelly

    Rodney Kelly

    Rodney, a co-founder of the Riversdale Group and the Australian Pub Fund, played a pivotal role in the acquisition and growth phases of Riversdale, serving as Chief Operating Officer of the fund. With a reputation as a pub operations specialist, Rodney has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results across various facets of the industry.

    In 2016, Rodney founded the Kelly Hotel Group, successfully building it into a thriving regional pub company encompassing six hotels. His leadership has driven impressive outcomes across bar operations, food services, gaming, retail liquor, and accommodation.

    With a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) from Wollongong University (1996), Rodney combines broad industry experience with a strategic and measured approach, offering valuable insights to the advisory board. His expertise ensures a deep understanding of the pub and hospitality sectors, making him an indispensable contributor to the industry.

  • Phil Bennett

    Phil served as a senior N.S.W. gaming machine regulator of clubs and hotels for 10 years, and from 1989 he founded his consulting firm. A specialist in gaming machine law, management, analysis, profit maximisation, and compliance programmes, he offers a unique range of services to his clients. Phil brings unrivalled experience, knowledge, and independence to all projects he undertakes.

    Gaming machine giant Aristocrat engaged Phillip to be a foundation member of the Aristocrat Regulatory Compliance Committee. For a period of 12 years, he helped Aristocrat establish high standards of compliance, which assisted Aristocrat in the acquisition of gaming machine manufacturing licences in many jurisdictions worldwide. His work as Chairman of the Committee was instrumental in the due diligence processes for Aristocrat’s transition to public company status in 1996.