In an industry full of such passionate, creative people, we wouldn’t get very far if we didn’t have some of our own.

The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is powered by a diverse group of passionate hospitality leaders dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and growing our industry. Our people include an Executive Committee providing national direction, regional branch presidents representing local communities, the Education Trust guiding training and development, and a committed head office team based in Mt Eden. Together, we bring experience, insight, and a shared commitment to helping Aotearoa’s hospitality businesses thrive.

Explore the people who make the Restaurant Association what it is today – click on the tabs below.

executive group

At the heart of the Restaurant Association is a leadership team that lives and breathes hospitality. CEO Marisa Bidois, President Mike Egan, and Vice Presidents Steve Logan and Krishna Botica provide the overall direction and strategy for the Association, leading with experience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening connections across New Zealand’s hospitality industry.

Marisa Bidois

Chief Executive Officer

Mike Egan

President

Krishna Botica

Vice President

Steve Logan

Vice President

education trust trustees

The Restaurant Association Education Trust is governed by a dedicated group of Trustees who support training and career development in hospitality. Their leadership ensures ongoing investment in industry education, including the Hospo Start programme and the management of our national headquarters in Mt Eden.

Tony Adcock

Chairperson

Mike Egan

Trustee

Krishna Botica

Trustee

David Meagher

Trustee

Jenny Jenkins

Trustee

Merv Ah Chee

Trustee

Warren Bias

Trustee

branch presidents

The Restaurant Association is organised into a network of 15 regional branches, each led by dedicated branch presidents who act as the organisation’s regional ambassadors. Our branch presidents serve as “eyes and ears” on the ground, providing a vital link between members and the Association, championing the organisation’s resources and suite of support systems. As ambassadors for local issues and activities within the industry, they leverage their intimate knowledge of regional dynamics to identify opportunities and address key pinch points, ensuring that members receive the assistance they need. 

Read more about the Branch Presidents (bios) here.

Mike Egan

National President Wellington Region President

Krishna Botica

National Vice-President & Auckland Region President

Steve Logan

National Vice-President (Wellington)

Penny Campbell

Northland Branch
President

Lisa Quarrie

Waikato Branch
President

Nick Potts

Bay of Plenty Branch President

Ray Singh

Rotorua Branch
President

Prue Campbell

Taupo – Central North Island Branch President

Prue Barton

Hawke’s Bay Branch President

Sunny Grewal

Taranaki Branch President

Saulo Camillo Nunes

Marlborough Branch President

Brigitta Cropp

Nelson Branch President

Lisa Levy

Canterbury Branch President

Penelope Jones & Sam Gruar

Southern Lakes Branch Presidents

head office team

Marisa Bidois

Cheif Executive

Nicola Waldren

General Manager

Sara Beillard-Gosai

Operations Manager

Samantha Feary

Office Manager

Karen Smith

Membership Engagement & Support Specialist – North Island

Michelle Stent

Membership Engagement & Support Specialist – South Island

Stuart McGechan

Te Tupu Tahi Co-ordinator & Membership Coordinator

Jennifer Howard

Administrator / Reception

Gilda Proietti

Hospo Start Manager

Chad Klyne

Hospo Start Facilitator/Co-ordinator

Mohit Sharma

Hospo Start Facilitator/Co-ordinator

Nata Tolooei

Professional Development Specialist

Aynaz Nowparvar

Legal Advisor/ Manager

Allan Fursdon

Employment Relations Advisor

Jordan Grey

Senior Legal Advisor

Stephanie Keogh

Employment Relations Advisor