Executive Team

Daniel’s career is defined by visionary leadership, financial acumen, and a commitment to operational excellence. Since stepping into the CEO role in August 2025 after serving as Interim CEO earlier that year, Daniel has guided the group through a period of transformative growth. He has overseen strategic initiatives such as securing an equity stake and board positions with Wests APIA, and the Group’s significant move into the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners: an equity interest in the Mariners A-League Men’s licence and the exclusive operations of the Mariners A-League Women’s team. He has also led a series of commercial property purchases and the purchase of apartments on the Central Coast, currently being built, alongside submitting plans for a new hotel, obtaining DA approval for a new club at Rozelle, and completing major expansion works at Markets Club. His leadership is marked by a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and the development of high-performing teams.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Daniel was the Chief Financial Officer of Holman Barnes Group for nearly a decade. In this role, he was instrumental in developing and presenting strategic plans to the Board, implementing a comprehensive Masterplan for the group, and managing capital expenditure and property investments. Daniel’s stewardship led to a remarkable financial turnaround, reducing debt from $8 million in 2016 to over $30 million in cash reserves by 2024, and improving EBITDA to over 25%, peaking at 30% in 2022. He achieved record profits in 2022 and 2024 and played a key role in the amalgamation with Balmain Leagues Club, as well as launching sustainability projects that reduced costs and carbon emissions.

Daniel’s career spans a wide range of senior finance and management roles in the hospitality, entertainment, and media sectors. He has served as Financial Controller at The Star Casino, Head of Finance at Ticketek Pty Ltd, Regional FP&A Manager for Asia Pacific at IGT (Australia), and held various analyst and management positions at APN News & Media, Pacific Publications, Enron Europe, Asprey & Garrard, and AGL Ltd. He has also worked internationally for US multinational companies including International Gaming Technology (IGT) and Enron, after holding the position of Financial Accountant for the first official crown jeweller of the UK, Asprey and Garrard, in London.

A Fellow of CPA Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Daniel holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Finance) from UTS Sydney and maintains RSA & RCG compliance.

Daniel Paton’s career reflects a dedication to strategic leadership, financial management, and the ongoing success of Holman Barnes Group and its community.

Michelle is a highly experienced executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the registered club industry, complemented by an extensive background in the hotel, hospitality and corporate event management sectors.

Prior to her career in registered clubs, Michelle held senior management roles with several prestigious hospitality organisations, including Sydney’s award-winning Observatory Hotel (now The Langham Sydney), where she developed a strong foundation in customer experience, operational excellence, and people leadership.

Throughout her career, Michelle has held a range of senior executive positions across club, sporting, and community-focused organisations. Her expertise spans corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership. She is recognised for her ability to lead organisations through periods of change and transformation while maintaining a strong focus on people, performance, and long-term sustainability.

One of the defining periods of Michelle’s career was her leadership during the voluntary administration of Balmain Leagues Club. Appointed to manage the organisation on behalf of the Administrator, she worked closely with employees, directors, members, regulators, and key stakeholders to ensure business continuity throughout a challenging and highly publicised period.

During this time, Michelle served as Chief Executive Officer of Balmain Leagues Club, overseeing Five Dock Bowling Club and Sydney Markets Club, while managing complex matters relating to the future of the club’s Rozelle site. She led extensive negotiations with secured creditors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, while simultaneously serving as Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of Balmain Tigers Rugby League Football Club. Michelle played a significant role in the process that ultimately led to the successful amalgamation of Balmain Leagues Club and Western Suburbs Leagues Club Ltd, which saw the Markets Club and the future Rozelle development become part of the broader group.

Following the amalgamation, Michelle continues to play a key leadership role in the evolution of what is now the Holman Barnes Group.

As Chief Commercial Officer, Michelle is responsible for ensuring all facets of the Group’s operations are aligned and working collaboratively to achieve strategic objectives while delivering exceptional experiences for members and guests. She provides executive leadership across key operational functions, driving continuous improvement and overseeing initiatives that strengthen member value, organisational performance, and community engagement.

Michelle has dedicated her career to leading organisations that bring people together, strengthen communities and create lasting social impact, balancing strong operational and administrative leadership with a genuine commitment to people and purpose.

Rod Dearsley is an accomplished finance executive with more than two decades of experience leading financial strategy, governance and commercial performance across the hospitality, healthcare, retail and telecommunications sectors.

As Chief Financial Officer of Holman Barnes Group, Rod is responsible for the organisation’s financial leadership, overseeing strategy, governance, risk management and operational performance across the Group’s portfolio. He works closely with the Board to support sustainable growth, informed decision-making and long-term financial strength.

Prior to joining Holman Barnes Group, Rod served as Chief Financial Officer at Bankstown Sports Club, where he played a key role in delivering strong commercial outcomes and enhancing financial performance. Earlier in his career, he held senior finance leadership positions with organisations including Sonic Clinical Services, Zambrero, The Star, Dyson, Virgin Mobile Australia, Optus and McDonald’s Australia, building extensive expertise across complex, multi-site businesses.

Recognised for his commercial acumen and collaborative leadership style, Rod has a proven track record of strengthening financial governance, improving business performance and delivering strategic initiatives that create lasting organisational value. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Wollongong and is a registered CPA.