Speaker Profile

Greg Sanderson’s journey in the hospitality industry is one of dedication, hard work, and a deep passion for creating memorable experiences. As the Managing Director and co-founder of The Speakeasy Group, Greg has played a pivotal role in establishing some of Australia’s most beloved venues. However, his path to success is marked by humility and a genuine love for the industry, rather than a pursuit of accolades.
Greg’s interest in hospitality began at a young age, sparked by a work experience opportunity at a 5-star resort during high school. This early exposure led him to pursue a Bachelor of Business with a Major in International Hotel & Tourism Management at the University of Queensland. While studying, Greg gained hands-on experience at a local British pub, where he took on various roles, from kitchen duties to managing the restaurant at just 20 years old. These early experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and teamwork, setting the foundation for his future endeavours.
After university, Greg’s career quickly advanced as he took on the role of General Manager at one of Australia’s largest university bars and live music venues. Managing a venue with a capacity of 750 guests and hosting large-scale events taught him valuable lessons in operational management and guest satisfaction. Seeking new challenges, Greg moved to Scotland, where he worked in high-end cocktail bars, including the prestigious Opal Lounge. It was here that he developed a passion for quality spirits and cocktails, which would later become a defining element of his career.
Upon returning to Australia, Greg settled in Melbourne, where he worked in some of the city’s most renowned bars, including Gin Palace, Murmur, and Black Pearl. During this time, he met Sven Almenning, who would later become his business partner. Greg joined Sven’s consultancy, Behind Bars, where he played a key role in bartender training and brand launches for Diageo, the world’s largest beverage company.

His dedication to the craft led to the successful launch of World Class in Australia, now the world’s largest cocktail competition, and earned him recognition within the industry.
In 2011, Greg and Sven opened Eau-de-Vie in Melbourne, marking the beginning of The Speakeasy Group. The venue’s success was immediate, and within a year, Greg was named the 2012 Australian Bartender of the Year. As The Speakeasy Group expanded, Greg took on the role of Managing Director, overseeing over 200 staff across nine venues in two states. Despite this growth, Greg remains committed to the core values that have guided him from the start—creativity, hard work, and a focus on making guests feel truly welcome.
Greg’s leadership style is rooted in humility and a deep respect for his team. He believes in the power of collaboration and strives to create a positive work environment where everyone feels valued. For Greg, success is not just about professional achievements but about maintaining a balance between business, personal life, and family commitments.
His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and hospitality professionals, showing that success is not just about where you end up, but about the journey, the lessons learned, and the people you meet along the way.