Oberin Hospitality’s Harry Kennedy-Ripon took out the Australia Hospitality Association Hotel Industry Rising Star award. Photo: Aidan Briggs.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
It’s all about the people for Oberin Hospitality operations manager Harry Kennedy-Ripon.
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Adding another notch to his belt, Harry is now the Australian Hotels Association Hotel Industry Rising Star.
Having won the prestigious Emerging Leader of the Year at the Victorian edition of the AHA Awards in May, Harry joined hoteliers and publicans from across the country on Monday, November 25 for the national awards at The Star Brisbane.
“It was a mixture of emotions when my name was read out,” Harry said.
“I was over the moon, obviously, and a bit embarrassed as well.
“I felt very proud to be recognised, but I probably wasn’t expecting it.”
Harry has worked at Oberin Hospitality since finishing high school in 2017, taking on various roles within the group.
Moving up the ranks from duty manager to front-of-house manager and venue manager at the American Hotel, his role as operations manager covers the pub, Essen Food and Wine and Nirebo Motel.
“I’ve been lucky, I’ve got a great team that work underneath me,” Harry said.
“They’re amazing support.
“For me to be able to do what I need to do, you have to have a strong team underneath.”
Harry Kennedy-Ripon with his award at The Star Brisbane on Monday, November 25. Photo: Supplied.
While his day-to-day often involves admin such as system reviews, paying bills and organising wages, the biggest drive for Harry is working with people, whether it be his staff or the patrons.
He has been a mentor to many staff members in the group, with the title of ‘Emerging Leader’ given to him by the Victorian AHA Awards fitting the bill.
“At the heart of it, I just love being with people,” Harry said.
“Being around customers, creating experiences. I do a lot of planning for events ... I love doing things that are a bit out of the normal.
“The main thing is working with my team, seeing the people I’ve recruited develop and grow into more senior roles.
“Seeing and getting people to go through that growth journey is something that really motivates me.
“I can’t grow if I don’t have people coming along the journey with me.”
Harry’s contribution to his role extends outside the venue walls, often trying his hand at social media marketing, bringing the laughs to Instagram and Facebook.
Harry has been working with the group for more than six years in a range of roles. Photo: Aidan Briggs.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Oberin Hospitality owner, and Harry’s uncle, Dean Oberin and former general manager Warwick Norman nominated Harry for the Victorian award.
“It was pretty special,” Harry said.
“I reached out to Warwick yesterday, and although he’s not working here in the company, he’s still super proud. He said it was the best thing he did in his time here, putting me forward.
“Dean, obviously being family and my blood relation ... it’s pretty special seeing him and seeing how happy he was.
“It’s recognition for hard work, I suppose.”
Harry credited the Oberin Hospitality team in supporting him to get honoured through the Rising Star and Emerging Leader awards.
“The teams that work at each venue ... there’s no way I’d be in the position I am if I didn’t have a strong team working with me,” he said.
He was able to enjoy the night with his mum, partner, sister and sister’s partner, a special moment for all of them.
“It was really nice to spend it with my family,” Harry said.
“To see my mum and my sister and my partner’s reactions, that was the best bit.”
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