Rob Cockerill

Head Chef, Bennelong

Rob Cockerill leads the kitchen at Bennelong Restaurant and Bar, bringing a wealth of experience from seven years as Senior Sous Chef at Quay. There, he honed his skills under Peter Gilmore, forging deep connections with Australia’s finest farmers, fishermen, and producers.

At Bennelong, Rob champions the very best Australian ingredients, crafting dishes that celebrate their provenance in a setting that is uniquely Sydney. A respected voice in the industry, he also serves as a state judge for the Delicious Produce Awards, further cementing his reputation as a leader in contemporary Australian cuisine.

Josef Neumeier

General Manager

Josef Neumeier is the General Manager of Bennelong Restaurant & Bar.

Born in Munich to restauranteurs, Josef has a natural affinity for creating guest experiences. After studying Hospitality Management at Oxford and the Swiss Hotel Institute Montreux, Josef led food and beverage operations across Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, and South Africa, before relocating to Australia. In Sydney, Josef held managerial positions at some of Sydney’s most successful establishments, before joining the Fink Group at Quay in late 2023 as General Manager.

As General Manager of Bennelong, Josef leads operations to ensure excellence in dining experience and maintaining its renowned reputation.

Taka Shino

Bar Manager, Bennelong

Ten years and counting at Bennelong, and our Bar Manager Taka Shino hasn’t missed a beat. A classically trained pianist who swapped Chopin for shakers, Taka cut his teeth at Sydney institutions like Gilt Lounge by qt hotels and Eau-De-Vie bar before making Bennelong Bar his stage, with a drinks list as composed as it is creative. Born near Tokyo, Japan, Taka was drawn to the hospitality industry early on, with a passion for Japanese whisky and the cocktail classics; those that are in essence simple and elegant.

Steven Pietersma

Head Sommelier, Bennelong

Steven Pietersma sees wine as a way to tell a story, bring people together, and make every meal feel a little more memorable. Born in the Netherlands, he honed his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens including Bij Jef and Frouckje State, before moving to Sydney where he shaped the wine program at Quay Restaurant as Head Sommelier. Known for his thoughtful curation and genuine approach, Steven loves guiding his team and helping guests discover something new in every glass.

A certified Court of Master Sommeliers sommelier, he blends expertise with warmth and personality. Away from the restaurant, he can usually be found on the tennis court or golf course, cheering on his favourite sports teams, or exploring the world between Sydney, Canada, and the Netherlands.