Ultimo acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation. We recognise the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. Ultimo is committed to learning from and honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
THE ULTIMO JOURNEY
The delicious business of food
Ultimo are a highly recognised Perth catering company and market leader in the industry. Since 1997 we have been connecting with West Australians through memorable catering and event experiences.
We have earned our reputation as Perth’s most trusted caterer for corporate events, private functions and weddings. Since commencing business, Ultimo has catered for functions and events with numbers ranging from 5 to 17,000 people. These functions include large indoor and outdoor events, weddings, formal dinners, cocktail parties, buffet dinners and many government contracts. Although Ultimo is based in Perth, we have successfully catered for large events and functions all around Australia. Including events in Kalgoorlie, Busselton, Northern Western Australia, Bunbury, Port Macquarie, Melbourne, Sydney, Maitland and Canberra.
Ultimo have established an enviable reputation for delivering fresh & modern cuisine, with a personalised experience, for each and every event. This experience includes a seamless organisational and holistic management approach, from start to completion.
Honest food has nowhere to hide. Our chefs design our menus based around local suppliers and fresh seasonal produce, creating food that evokes emotion with flavour, texture and contemporary presentation.
Our focus is always quality food, executed to perfection, served with class.
The Ultimo Philosophy
IMAGINATION
in all aspects of our food & events
INNOVATION
in our menus, systems, products & service
INTELLIGENCE
in our experienced & knowledgeable team
Our Team
Good people are the most important resource Ultimo can offer.
Recruitment and retention of our team is paramount to Ultimo maintaining our high level of service to our clients. Ultimo employs some the most knowledgeable and experienced hospitality experts in Australia.
Our company goal is to provide a professional, friendly and enjoyable environment for our employees, which ensures we are a preferred employer for the industries best talent.
Our team’s collective experience in the hospitality industry spans many years and provides us with the skills to reliably deliver the outcomes required to be a consistently successful event catering company. Employees we seek to join our team, display characteristics aligned with our company values, including integrity, “a can do attitude”, passion for the hospitality industry, initiative, knowledge, experience, and an understanding of the importance of customer service.
Our chef team consists of a diverse mix of local and international chefs with a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the culinary arts. Many chefs have joined Ultimo with backgrounds from some of the best restaurants in Australia and beyond.
MEET OUR CORE TEAM
CLARK WILMOT
Corporate Accounts | Director
After retiring as a federal agent from the Australian Federal Police, Clark joined Ultimo in 2000 as a Director and has embraced the career change – his experience in all aspects of the catering industry, particularly for corporate accounts and functions is invaluable. He has successfully coordinated countless events for corporate and private functions including many VIP events for some of Perth’s most prominent business leaders.
Clark’s passion for the hospitality industry is fed by guiding staff to achieve outstanding results for clients and themselves. He is proud of his role in building Ultimo as a business and believes in retaining clients by building relationships with a continued high level of service and efficiency. Clark has an established reputation as a reliable, honest and diligent operator in all things catering.
Clark’s personal life is busy enough with his children’s sport, coaching, surfing, football, boating and family holidays with his wife and three children.
EMMA BURT (NEE BRAND)
Marketing + Business Development
Originally from New Zealand, Emma moved to Perth upon completing her tertiary studies in Communications. Emma joined Ultimo in 2013 after travelling extensively and working remotely for her own branding and marketing venture. Since joining Ultimo, she has been integral in our rebranding, repositioning and growth in the market – building the Ultimo brand to its esteemed position today. She delivers brand management, strategic marketing and business development, as well as hands on digital design skills to the business.
Emma has always felt a pull towards the hospitality industry – specialising in applying her professional skills in this space. This ensures she is well placed to create event concepts and develop and launch new products / services in the market with proven success. Her ability to wear many hats in business, along with her industry knowledge and passion, are responsible for her promotion to various positions across branding, marketing, events & sales within Ultimo. She responds proactively to industry trends and creates engaging content and marketing campaigns, as well as driving our strategic development in her current Marketing & Business Development role.
Emma loves the overlapping opportunities that branding, marketing, food and events create for connection. Sharing a meal is universal across cultures and she believes good branding and good food should both make you feel something. A busy new mum to her son Winston – she enjoys dining out, hosting parties and cooking for her husband and friends – when she gets a chance.
PETER JAMIESON
Major Events | Director
Peter is a founding director of Ultimo from when the company commenced in West Perth in 1997, and oversees our major events & accounts. Peter’s logistical event management experience is second to none in the industry and he has been integral in growing Ultimo’s trusted reputation in this space. Known in the industry for making things happen and never daunted by a challenge, Peter listens to our clients’ needs and finds a solution, where other businesses might say it was too difficult.
Peter has overseen the operation of the Quarry since the commencement of our contract in 2014, with demonstrated success. He has excelled running some of Ultimo’s biggest accounts such as the WA Festival of Cricket, Kalgoorlie Cup, Groovin the Moo National Tour, Future Music and Stereosonic National Tours, City to Surf, Ironman Triathlons Busselton, Port Macquarie and Melbourne, Sydney Festival – to name a few. Brutally honest, a great lateral thinker and extremely motivated; Peter is the go-to person for large events in the Perth hospitality industry. Passionate about good food – he will ensure the quality of Ultimo’s menus, no matter the size of the function.
Despite being across the latest in the culinary world, Peter’s favourite food is the humble French fry (ideally served with freshly caught and chargrilled Crayfish). A Scarborough local, an ex VFL / WAFL player – Pete is actively fit and loves getting out for a surf whenever possible. Peter is a devoted family man, and is kept busy by his two adult daughters and wife Jill.
MAX LING
Executive Chef
Max Ling, Executive Chef, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the Ultimo team. With a career spanning continents and prestigious establishments, Max’s passion for food and innovation shines through in every dish he creates.
Max’s culinary journey began in Hong Kong, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for diverse cuisines. He continued his adventure by working in 5-star luxury hotels in Australia and Michelin-starred restaurants, including the Sydney Opera House. Notably, he contributed his talents to The Ritz Carlton HK, the highest hotel in the world.
Max stays at the forefront of culinary trends, constantly researching and experimenting with the latest cooking techniques. He seamlessly blends different styles and methods when designing menus. As a firm advocate for supporting local suppliers, Max prioritises using the freshest ingredients and sourcing products geographically close to Ultimo to ensure top-notch quality.
Beyond the kitchen, Max’s leadership extends to fostering camaraderie among colleagues, creating a dynamic environment that inspires teamwork. At every Ultimo engagement, he maintains an unwavering commitment to excellence, elevating food quality and presentation. Whether overseeing the commercial kitchen or managing countless functions and events, Max remains composed and focused.
Outside of work, Max enjoys family time with his wife and three young children. He also indulges in windsurfing, 4WDing, and camping whenever possible. Max Ling’s love for cooking and dedication to culinary excellence make him an invaluable asset to the Ultimo team.
RAJA RICHARDSAMY
Executive Sous Chef
Joining our senior chef team in early 2021, Raja is a dedicated and knowledgeable professional chef with over 17 years of experience in food preparation and kitchen leadership.
His professional background includes senior chef roles in highly recognised establishments such as Aloft Perth, Westin Perth, Royal International Convention Centre Brisbane and Borneo Convention Centre Malaysia. He has worked for many 6 star and 5 star international brand hotels such as Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Hilton, Raffles, Mandarin, Le Royal Meridien.
Raja has experience working with guest celebrity chefs, Michelin star chefs, and catering for international politicians including George W. Bush, Obama, Putin, Royalties like HRH Princess Anne and VIP’s like Sir Richard Branson, Celine Dion, Elton John, and Hollywood actor turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Singaporean/Malaysian with a Tamil background, Raja loves South East Asian influenced cooking & was classically trained in French cuisine. He is very passionate about serving only the best quality food to guests. Compliments from guests are what fuel his motivation to continually develop his skills and keep innovating.
Aside from cooking, Raja spends his time reading, driving and enjoys watching movies with his wife and his chocolate Labrador.
NAKEERAN THILLAIRAJ
Sous Chef
Joining Ultimo in 2017, Nakeeran is part of Ultimo’s senior chef team. Originally from South India, he possesses a professional history working for renowned restaurants internationally, as well as his previous role as Sous Chef at Akis Woolloomollo, a one hat Sydney restaurant, Nakeeran is a skilled and experienced presence in the kitchen. Bringing strong technical knowledge and impeccable presentation to every function he is involved in. He lives by the philosophy of ‘if you can’t do it well, don’t do it at all’.
Nakeeran is an award winning chef, participating 2 years in a row in the Emirates Salon Culinary Competition in Dubai. Competing against 280 chefs, to win Bronze and Merit medals in the five course gourmet dinner category. He was also part of a team to achieve the TIME OUT award for ‘Best Bubbalicious Brunch’ at the Westin Hotel in Dubai.
His motivation to push himself comes from genuinely loving being a chef. He appreciates the opportunity to work with fresh quality ingredients every day, the adrenaline of a slick and busy service, and hearing guests tell him what they loved about the food. He believes cooking and serving food is about making people happy (both the guests and his colleagues). For Nakeeran, it’s all about nurturing people and showing them why an ingredient is so special. In his own words, “There is no job like it. Food is an amazing thing, and we see it and eat it wherever we go”.
Nakeeran is a keen cricket fan and dedicated family man. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife, and 2 young boys.
(JOEY) CHO YI HUNG
Head Chef Deliverable Catering
Heading up our Deliverable Catering department since 2019, Joey has been instrumental in the growth and consistency in this area. Joey worked as a chef in Japanese cuisine for almost 5 years, before joining at Ultimo.
From Hong Kong, Joey moved to Perth in 2010. Her mum is very talented at cooking, and Joey was trained to assist her from a young age. Her uncle is also a chef and her auntie an owner of a Chinese restaurant, so growing up with people who love to cook and love to eat is what ignited Joey’s own interest in food.
Originally a fashion and textile merchandiser in Hong Kong, Joey was sick of sitting at a desk, behind a computer all day. This inspired Joey to move to Australia to be a chef and calls it the best decision she’s ever made.
She loves seeing people’s satisfaction after eating delicious food, and believes food is the universal language to communicate with people from all different countries and cultures.
In her spare time, Joey plays badminton every week – preferring to interact with people instead of doing workout alone.
VANESSA THOMAS
Function Coordinator
With over 23 years of experience within the catering industry, together with a mix of 10 years in the film Industry, Vanessa can apply her specialist knowledge to organise any style of event, large or small.
Vanessa’s attention to fostering client’s wants and needs has proven successful with customer relationships. Her key priority being that the customer always comes back to Ultimo. Vanessa’s evaluation of what is needed to make an event a true success, is what ensures our clients expectations are always exceeded whether it be for a small private functions or grand scale events. With her passion for food and presentation, she strives for the best guest experience and creates the right atmosphere and style of menu for the occasion. Her proficiency with coordinating an event from start to finish is due to her full understanding of food, beverage and managing staff.
Her beliefs in diversity and equal opportunity tie in with Ultimo’s philosophies, and is one of the many reasons she loves her role and working in the hospitality industry.
Because of Vanessa’s passion for food, she loves cooking, particularly experimenting on her family and friends for big dinner parties. With the perfect wine to compliment the food, of course. Family is a key part of her life, and she takes immense pride in her garden. She will get out there any spare moment she has.
TIANA ROWE
Event Manager
Tiana joined the Ultimo crew in late 2020. She has worked in the hospitality industry for majority of her career, previously Front Office Supervisor at the Novotel Vines Resort and spent time in Melbourne working in business development and career counselling. Throughout her tenure with Ultimo, Tiana has seamlessly transitioned across departments, demonstrating versatility and a knack for innovation. From deliverable catering, a private get together, orchestrating major scale events or collaborating on creative initiatives, she’s an all-rounder. Tiana is organised, efficient and ensures everything she’s involved with is executed with incredible attention to detail.
Her love for the industry stems from working so closely with people from all walks of life – being able to provide a service that brings people together.
Originally from New Zealand, Tiana has a large family and outside of her professional endeavours is a dedicated parent to one adorable kiddo. Born into a family with a cultural and musical background, she loves all things food and music. She also owns and operates her own cake baking business, and happily keeps the Ultimo team plied with cupcake samples.
SAVANNAH CLOSE
Event Manager
Born and raised in Perth, Savannah Close brings over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with the last 3 years specifically focused on event management. Her journey began in bars and restaurants, where she quickly developed a deep passion for creating memorable experiences and honed her skills in customer service and operations. This solid foundation set the stage for her transition into event management, where she discovered her true calling.
Savannah thrives in environments where she can collaborate with like-minded professionals who share her passion for the industry. She finds great satisfaction in organizing large-scale events, from the initial planning stages to the final execution, and nothing makes her happier than seeing the smiles on her clients’ faces when everything comes together perfectly. Savannah enjoys the culinary perks of getting to taste and experience different foods and drinks as part of her job.
Creativity is at the heart of everything Savannah does, whether she’s designing unique event concepts or finding innovative solutions to challenges. She believes that every event is a canvas for creativity, and she takes pride in injecting fresh, imaginative ideas into each project she undertakes.
Outside of her professional life, Savannah is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. She enjoys pushing her physical limits through regular workouts at the gym and embraces new challenges for her body. Savannah is a devoted practitioner of Pilates and yoga, finding balance and mindfulness through these practices. When she’s not planning events or staying active, you’ll often find her with a book in hand, exploring new worlds and ideas through her love of reading.
JOSH GALVIN
Function Coordinator
Josh joined Ultimo in 2019 as a waiter, and quickly worked his way up to being a supervisor at our weddings and corporate events. Finding his niche in the catering and events sector, Josh left his role as the manager of a local café in 2022 to commence in his role as a supervisor at Ultimo. In 2023, we were delighted when Josh took the role of Function Coordinator, looking after a diverse portfolio of both corporate and private clients.
Josh prides himself on his attention to detail and service; both on the floor and behind a desk. He always ensures client needs are met and delivered to the highest standard. He’s the last one out of a room before guests arrive, ensuring that the table setting is millimetre perfect.
He has always had a keen interest in food and hospitality, helping his Mum in the kitchen from the age of four and entertaining guests at home. Josh has developed an impressive knowledge food and wine, and its role within the industry.
In addition to work, Josh is currently studying Cross Cultural Communications and Business at university. He loves nothing more than experimenting with new food and flavours in his spare time and going to the best restaurants and bars around the country.
LIA COHEN
Marketing Coordinator
Lia’s journey to Perth marks an exciting new chapter in her life and career. Having recently moved from Brisbane, she brings with her a wealth of professional experience spanning different industries. From her tenure in the bridal sector to her time in hospitality, Lia has honed her skills and gained insights that enrich her approach to work.
Her academic background is equally remarkable, having pursued Marketing and Fashion Communication at The Queensland University of Technology. This educational foundation is a testament to Lia’s unwavering passion for infusing creativity into strategic thinking, a quality that inspires her innovative approach to work in today’s dynamic business landscape.
The buzz of the hospitality industry is where Lia truly thrives. She finds joy in the unpredictable nature of the field, relishing the challenge of adapting to new situations and meeting diverse people every day.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Lia is embracing her new life as a Perth resident alongside her partner, Harry. Together, they are eagerly exploring the cultural tapestry of their new city, uncovering hidden gems and immersing themselves in local experiences.
HARVEEN KAUR
Wedding Manager
With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Harveen has built a distinguished career in event planning and leadership. Her journey began in Singapore, where the multicultural environment enriched her early experiences. She refined her skills through various roles at prominent establishments such as Swan Valley, Hilton Hotels, and Hyatt Hotels, gaining a deep understanding of what drives successful events.
Harveen’s move to Perth presented new challenges and opportunities, allowing her to develop her expertise further within a different cultural landscape. Her unwavering passion for creating memorable events, particularly in venues with unique and vintage charm, is a testament to her commitment to her profession. She excels in designing spaces that leave a lasting impression.
Harveen’s ability to balance her professional and personal life is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. As a dedicated parent to a lively 5-year-old daughter, she adeptly manages event planning demands while cherishing moments of quiet and family time. Her frequent travels to Singapore and other parts of Asia help her stay connected to her cultural roots and maintain close family ties.
Harveen has a genuine interest in Korean culture, enjoys desserts, and enjoys hosting gatherings and socialising with friends and family. She values the occasional quiet moment and relishes a cocktail by the pool when possible.
JESSICA MILLEN
Weddings
Jessica joined Ultimo in 2016 as our Events and Sales Manager, and after a hiatus to raise her 2 young children she has re-joined the team as our Weddings Assistant. With over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality and catering industry, spanning weddings, events, venue management and sales – she’s an absolute asset to the Ultimo team. Jessica’s hardworking, hand-ons approach ensured she has accumulated knowledge and experience that few in the industry can match.
Whilst at Ultimo, Jessica has organised functions ranging in size, from smaller private parties and weddings to large-scale corporate events at Elizabeth Quay. She has impeccable standards and brings creativity and style to every function she’s involved in. Her superpower is combining that creativity with logistical planning to provide the best possible event experience for clients and their guests. The customer service element and ensuring our clients expectations are exceeded, is what feeds her motivation.
As a working mum of 2, Jessica hasn’t eaten a meal in peace for years – but she is passionate about good food. She thrives on creative projects such as renovating her home with her husband or planning parties and events for friends. She also loves a good wine and a day at the beach, ideally at the same time.
LUIS ALEGRIA
IT Project & Operations Manager
Originally from Colombia, Luis has been with Ultimo since 2018, but it feels like he’s been a part of the team forever. The absolute epitome of team work, he is the go-to guy for anything the team might need. With a professional background as a Telecommunications Engineer, Luis worked for more than 3 years in the Colombian Telco industry, leading projects and implementing solutions for suppliers. Before deciding to travel the world and falling in love with Perth.
Luis is an extremely proactive professional, who will always dedicate himself whole heartily to the operations of Ultimo. He plays an integral and diverse role in the business, looking after everything from business development IT projects and operations. He is the first point of call for troubleshooting any challenges. Luis communicates across all departments to ensure the smooth and seamless execution of IT projects and operations.
In his spare time Luis tries to explore some more of WA with his partner Gina. He’s keenly interested in politics and enjoys riding horses.
IZAAK BEATTIE
Deliverable Catering Coordinator
Joining Ultimo in 2022 as our Catering Coordinator, Izaak looks after our valuable deliverable catering clients and contracts. An exciting addition to our team, he has extensive hospitality experience. Starting in the industry as a bartender in 2014 and quickly gaining roles in all aspects of hospitality, working in bars, restaurants, kitchens, nightclubs and festivals. This hands-on holistic expertise ensures Izaak is well placed to respond to the dynamic needs of our clients.
He has additional experience in wedding and event planning and can apply his cumulative knowledge of the industry to any type of catering or function requirements. Izaak loves the rush of hospitality and curating memorable experiences for each and every customer.
A local, Izaak grew up moving around the Perth area and exploring the WA coast. A frequent traveller, he has enjoyed exploring parts of Europe, Asia and North America. The highlight being a road trip from California to Florida. Proudly part of the LGBTQIA community, Izaak is also a foreign film and cinema fan and a foodie – always trying new restaurants and bars.
COSIMA BARONE
Deliverable Catering | Logistics & Sales Coordinator
Cosima joined our team as a Catering Administrator in Nov 2022, assisting our sales team to process orders and ensure our deliverable catering service runs smoothly. An incredibly organised and passionate person, Coco is an asset to Team Ultimo.
Originally from a small town in Southern Italy, Coco has been a chef for most of her career. She started as a kitchenhand when she was 15 and worked her way up to Head Chef, working in Northern Italy, Zurich, and for the past 9 years, the UK.
Her career path has allowed her to combine her passion for travel, her culinary expertise, her eye for photography and her desire to explore new cuisines and flavours.
In her spare time, Coco is dedicated to studying nutrition – and fitness is her hobby – spending as much time outdoors surrounded in nature. Of course one of her favourite things to do is share a meal with her family and friends.
MICHELLE LIM
Finance Manager
Michelle Lim, the Finance Manager at Ultimo Catering and Events, brings a wealth of financial expertise cultivated across diverse industries, including mining services, retail, and building & construction.
Michelle’s choice of the hospitality industry is not just a career path, but a passion. She believes that food brings people together, and hospitality is the industry that fosters these connections, creating memorable experiences.
Michelle’s dedication to her family is a testament to her ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities. She values quality time with her loved ones and actively supports her children in various roles, from being a chauffeur to a nutritionist and a cheer squad. This commitment to her family is a reflection of her character and adds depth to her professional profile.
Michelle’s journey at Ultimo is a testament to her dedication and success. She has managed to merge her financial acumen with her love for hospitality, creating a harmonious balance between professional achievement and personal fulfilment.
MARIANA PURNAMA
Assistant Accountant
Born in Indonesia into a family where food served as a unifying force, Mariana Purnama developed a deep passion for culinary arts from an early age. She not only pursued and obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting in Indonesia but also showcased her entrepreneurial spirit by establishing her own business, Indonesia Catering and Restaurant, in Sydney. This venture, which she successfully operated for 13 years, was a testament to her business acumen and resilience, until she sold it due to her husband’s decision to join the military.
Relocating to Perth seven years ago, Mariana discovered Ultimo Catering—a familiar echo of her previous enterprise—which felt akin to finding a new home. Despite the ebb and flow of her journey with Ultimo, Mariana returned about five years ago, initially as a casual chef, eventually ascending to Sous Chef.
Beyond her culinary pursuits, Mariana enjoys embracing challenges and exploring artistic endeavours such as painting, gardening, and other creative outlets. Leveraging her accounting background, Mariana now finds fulfilment in supporting the finance department.
Mariana resides in Hillarys with her husband and two grown sons. She views life as a continuous adventure filled with new opportunities. As she and her husband embark on this next chapter, Mariana embodies a spirit of renewed enthusiasm, ready to embrace all that lies ahead.
DAWN CRANSTON-ROBERTS
Accounts Administration
Dawn has been an integral part of the Ultimo finance team since 2019. She started her career with KPMG in Tauranga NZ, and turned her interest in accounting into her vocation.
A proud kiwi, Dawn brings a laid-back but professional attitude to the role. She enjoys that the hospitality industry attracts people with personality that have a real passion for what they do – particularly at Ultimo. These passionate people create a fantastic work environment that is a real joy for Dawn, in turn enhancing her own job satisfaction.
Dawn is a devoted wife, mum and granny – as well as a keen All Blacks fan. Passionate foodie and traveller – she loves motorsport and the Monaco Grand Prix is on her bucket list.
(SAM) SAI HANG CHING
Professional Chef
ELIZABETH WAGE
Professional Chef
(MARK) YU FAN CHEN
Professional Chef
ARPAN BHANDARI
Professional Chef
ANDREW BAINES
Professional Chef
ARTHUR WAI MAN IP
Professional Chef
(KURT) KA LEUNG WO
Professional Chef
BERNARD CHAN
Professional Chef
DIEGO SANCHEZ DE VALLE
Professional Chef
CHRISTIAN CASULA
Professional Chef
