Dean Bowtell

Dean Bowtell

Chief Executive Officer

Dean Bowtell

Chief Executive Officer

Dean has more than 20 years’ experience in the Hospitality and Leisure industry, with over 10 years at the helm of Southport Sharks. Dean holds a business degree and notable achievements include the successful partnership with the AFL and GC SUNS, the introduction of diverse service lines and the development of a $25m ‘Mantra at Sharks’ accommodation project.

Dean Bowtell
Sharks Management Adam-Paterson

Adam Paterson

Chief Operating Officer

Adam Paterson

Chief Operating Officer

Adam has over 12 years experience in hospitality with extensive international experience, including the General Manager for a comedy club, live music venue and 1200 capacity bar.

Adam holds a Diploma of International Business and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. Adam recently completed the 2016 Club Leadership Institute program where he received the award for “Passion for the industry”.

He is a member of the CMAA for 2 years and is currently on the committee for the Gold Coast Region

Sharks Management Adam-Paterson
Tim Lilli

Tim Lilii

Chief Financial Officer

Tim Lilii

Chief Financial Officer

Tim has an Audit background, is a Chartered Accountant and has commercial experience in the FMCG and Manufacturing Industry.

Tim's experience includes both ASX listed and medium-sized companies and he has a strong focus on streamlining processes and using data analytics to improve the bottom line.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law.

Tim Lilli

Penny Tovey

Executive Manager - People & Culture

Penny Tovey

Executive Manager - People & Culture

Penny has over 30 years of experience in organisational leadership, legal compliance, industrial relations, human resources management, resource utilisation and organisational development.

Among her former roles Penny was the Director of APESMA, owner/director of her own company Workplace Knowhow, HR Manager at Tweed Heads Bowls Club and Operations Manager for Hall Payne Lawyers. Penny is currently a Board Member of Seqwater and Chairs the People and Culture Committee and is a committee member on the Audit and Risk Committee.

Southport Sharks is delighted to welcome Penny as the Executive Manager – People & Culture.

Paul Van Zijl

Paul Van Zijl

General Manager – Membership & Business Technology

Paul Van Zijl

General Manager – Membership & Business Technology

Paul has over 18 years experience in Casinos and Clubs, is multilingual, and a member of Club Managers Association Australia (CMAA). Paul holds a Diploma in Front Line Management and is experienced in Information Systems.

Paul Van Zijl
Jarrod Field

Jarrod Field

General Manager – Football Operations

Jarrod Field

General Manager – Football Operations

Jarrod has been with the Sharks since 2015 and previously was at the helm at Labrador FC as Senior Coach and Football Management. Jarrod also has an Event Management background with GCCC running major sports venues including Carrara Stadium.

Jarrod Field

Lisa Vegter

General Manager – Health + Fitness Centre

Lisa Vegter

General Manager – Health + Fitness Centre

Lisa has over 15years of experience in the Fitness Industry, having started her career in London during a working holiday. Lisa is also a qualified Personal Trainer herself, and has been with the Sharks since 2010.

Courtney Tahu

General Manager - Hotel

Courtney Tahu

General Manager - Hotel

Courtney has over 8 years’ experience in the hotel industry including Accor, a world leading hotel group. After previously managing the central reservations team for Mantra Head Office, Courtney joined the team at Mantra at Sharks.  Due to her success in leading the team out of the pandemic, Courtney was promoted to General Manager.

Jane O'Connor

Jane O’Connor

Executive Assistant

Jane O’Connor

Executive Assistant

With over 25 years in hospitality administration, Jane's career has included 18 years at a five-star international resort as an Executive Assistant. She has been with Southport Sharks since 2013 and works closely with the CEO, COO and Board of Directors. Jane was a key stakeholder on the Mantra at Sharks project, influencing the planning and design stage, pre-opening. and launch.

Jane O'Connor