78670

Optus Stadium operator VenuesLive has announced the appointment of Alasdair Thompson as the venue’s new Executive Chef - only the second person to hold the position since the venue’s opening almost seven years ago.

Thompson was part of Optus Stadium’s original opening team, starting as Chef de Cuisine before becoming Executive Sous Chef in January 2020. Prior to joining the stadium, he was Head Chef at Crown Perth’s Italian fine dining restaurant Modo Mio and also trained under Alain Fabregues, of the nationally and internationally renowned classical French restaurant The Loose Box, in Mundaring.

Advising that Thompson has been an integral part of the stadium’s success from the outset, Optus Stadium Chief Executive, Mike McKenna explained “Alasdair was part of the team charged with getting the stadium ready for opening, then creating our Meeting and Special Events (MASE) culinary offering from the ground up.

“His menu really established the quality and style of our MASE offering which has grown into a significant part of our business and has been recognised through numerous awards, both in Western Australia and nationally.

“Alasdair will build on the stadium’s already established strong kitchen culture and reputation for world-class dining and continue our focus on creating the freshest and best products in our kitchens, wherever we can, using locally sourced products.”

Thompson replaces long-time Optus Stadium Executive Chef Jochen Beranek and joins a strong team of chefs across the VenuesLive network.

Like culinary legends Marco Pierre White and Thomas Keller, Thompson philosophy is that flavour comes first.

He noted “food has to wow every time - be bold, exciting, and delicious.

“I love the balance of acidity, heat, and vibrancy in Asian cuisine. Its complexity inspires me to craft dishes that spark joy and keep people coming back for more.”

Thompson’s journey began not in the kitchen, but in a lab, studying molecular genetics. Realising he craved creativity and teamwork, he pivoted to the culinary world and never looked back.

The Perth-born father of three credits his mother for his love of cooking and his organisational skills.

He adds “my mum’s love of experimenting with flavours and catering to everyone’s tastes shaped my approach to cooking. It’s all about making food that resonates with people.”

Thompson will also oversee HBF Park’s food and beverage services and corporate hospitality offerings which have been delivered at Perth’s renowned rectangular stadium by VenuesLive since July 2024.

Stepping into his new role, Thompson is ready to push boundaries and create unforgettable dining experiences for stadium guests, going on to say “this is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to share my passion with you all.”

Image: Alasdair Thompson. Credit: VenuesLive.

Related Articles

22nd December 2024 - National Trust in Victoria extends partnership with VenuesLive and Scott Pickett Group

26th November 2024 - Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Optus Stadium sets single-day attendance record for Perth Test

15th November 2024 - VenuesLive reveals new operational structure

28th October 2024 - Blockbuster Bledisloe Cup returns to Optus Stadium in 2025

16th October 2024 - Perth’s Optus Stadium set to host first test in 2025/26 Ashes series

15th October 2024 - Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre announces VenuesLive as its new hospitality partner

31st July 2024 - VenuesLive appointed caterer at Perth’s HBF Park

26th July 2024 - Optus Stadium reveals new culinary ambassador

28th June 2024 - VenuesLive and Scott Pickett Group collaborate as new catering partner for Old Melbourne Gaol

20th June 2024 - VenuesLive expands its hospitality footprint on the NSW Central Coast

17th April 2024 - Sensory Room at Perth’s Optus Stadium gets official unveiling

21st November 2023 - VenuesLive secures further catering awards for CommBank Stadium and Accor Stadium

10th November 2023 - NSW Government ends VenuesLive’s management of Sydney’s CommBank and Accor Stadiums

6th November 2023 - Grassed ‘hill’ to be introduced at Perth’s Optus Stadium for December cricket Test

2nd November 2023 - VenuesLive secures major event and venue catering awards in two states

27th September 2023 - Optus Stadium reappoints KOJO as in-house sports production team

21st July 2023 - VenuesLive and Veolia collaboratie to install 460 new recycling bins at Perth’s Optus Stadium

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.