Leading Ovolo’s Growth with Passion and Innovation | 5 Star Conversations with Wayne Taranto

In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, I sat down with Wayne Taranto, the Chief Operating Officer of Ovolo Group. We talk about how Wayne's journey into hospitality started unexpectedly, despite initially considering a career in the building industry. A pivotal moment came when he secured a role at Bobby McGee's, a popular entertainment venue in the late 90s. This experience ignited his passion for hospitality, and he quickly rose through the ranks, learning invaluable lessons in food and beverage and guest service. His career has spanned several senior positions in well-known Australian hospitality groups, including Event Hospitality & Entertainment, Accor, and Crown Group, where he became known for his ability to foster high-performing teams and craft emotionally connected guest experiences.

Wayne reflects on a memorable moment in his career when he led a resort in Yeppoon, Queensland. He recounts the deep emotional connection he developed with his team and the local community, which became evident when nearly 300 employees lined the road to bid him farewell. This experience solidified his commitment to the hospitality industry and reaffirmed his passion for creating memorable guest experiences. As a leader, Wayne attributes much of his success to mentors such as David Sergeant, Garth Simmons, Peter Hill, Simon McGrath, and Girish Jhunjhnuwala, who guided him through various stages of his career, teaching him the importance of leadership, resilience, and adaptability.

Wayne also shares his thoughts on the future of hospitality, emphasizing the need for a new generation of leaders who can adapt to the evolving landscape of the industry. He believes that while technology like AI will continue to play a significant role in streamlining operations, it’s essential for future leaders to maintain a strong focus on human connection and mentorship. For those entering the industry, Wayne’s advice is clear: seek out a mentor, be proactive in seeking new opportunities, and never stop learning. As he moves forward with Ovolo, Wayne remains committed to shaping the brand’s next phase of growth, fostering a culture of excellence, and continuing to create extraordinary experiences for both guests and employees.

Wayne Taranto's Bio:
Wayne Taranto is the Chief Operating Officer of Ovolo Group, overseeing the company's Australian hotel portfolio since 2023. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Wayne has held leadership positions in renowned brands such as Event Hospitality & Entertainment, Accor, and Crown Group. His expertise spans launching luxury hotel brands, creating innovative food and beverage concepts, and driving operational excellence. At Ovolo, he plays a key role in the brand’s continued growth and evolution, contributing to its success, including being named Hotel Brand of the Year at the 2022 HM Awards.

Prior to Ovolo, Wayne served as the CEO of d'Albora Marinas and held senior roles with Pullman Hotels and Rydges Hotels & Resorts. Known for fostering high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences, Wayne's leadership style is influenced by mentors such as David Sergeant, Garth Simmons, and Simon McGrath. He is passionate about service excellence and the role of human connection in hospitality, ensuring that innovation and technology enhance, rather than replace, the emotional engagement that defines the guest experience.

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