Lance began his journey in venue management in 2004 with Ryan’s Bar and Bar 333, part of the Ryan’s Hotel Group, where he spent 10 years honing his skills. This environment was the ideal foundation for learning the art of being a true publican. His passion for the industry led him to purchase and renovate the Grand National Hotel, which he successfully owned and operated for three years, preserving its status as one of Paddington’s iconic establishments.
Merivale soon approached Lance with an exciting opportunity to lead The Newport, their first venue on Sydney’s northern beaches. This large-scale project involved recruiting over 300 staff, and under Lance’s leadership, the venue received widespread industry acclaim, including awards from the AHA for Hotel of the Year, Redeveloped Hotel of the Year, and Family-Friendly Venue.
Lance’s expertise then brought him back to Sydney’s CBD, where he managed multiple venues for Merivale, including Bistrode CBD, York 75, Work in Progress, and Kings Lounge. His leadership in managing multisite operations led to a promotion to Group Compliance Manager, where he continued to develop his strategic and operational capabilities.
In 2017, Lance relocated to Brisbane to spearhead the hospitality operations at Howard Smith Wharves. He played a key role in the project delivery of several high-profile venues, including Felons Brewing Co., Mr. Percival’s, and Arc Dining (later rebranded as Ciao Papi). His involvement spanned all aspects of the business, from planning and budgeting to recruitment, procurement, and marketing.
Following his success at Howard Smith Wharves, Lance took the reins at the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel. He successfully implemented operational improvements, enhanced service delivery, and drove change management, all while respecting the rich heritage of this landmark venue.
Lance’s career progressed further when he joined ALH Group, where he oversaw a portfolio of 13 hotels. His leadership included managing the acquisition of The Raven Hotel in West End and the opening of ALH Group’s largest investment in Queensland, The Brook Hotel, which won industry recognition as the Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division.
