Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Custom
Interests
Timeline
Benjamin Mark James Peterson

Benjamin Mark James Peterson

Cardiff, Cardiff,Wales

Summary

Accomplished professional with extensive experience in event management, operational coordination, and client relationship management. Demonstrated expertise in leading high-profile events and guest experiences, notably overseeing the inaugural post-COVID summer season for The Jackson at Sealink Marine & Tourism. Proven track record in strategic leadership roles, including General Manager at The Starship Group, where significant business growth was achieved through innovative pricing models and rebranding initiatives. Skilled in budget management, stakeholder engagement, and team building, consistently driving service excellence and financial performance. Career aspirations include further enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiencies within dynamic originations.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Volunteer Support Worker

Local Charity
Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales
05.2025 - Current
  • Provided emotional and practical support to patients, building trust and rapport through compassionate care.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.
  • Organised recreational and social activities, encouraging patient engagement and improving mental wellbeing.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of rehabilitation techniques through continuous professional development.
  • Completed detailed and accurate case notes using company case management system.

Head of Guest Experience

Sealink Marine & Tourism
Sydney
09.2022 - 02.2024
  • Oversaw all aspects of guest services, including crowd management, food and beverage operations, menu design, entertainment, ambiance, and overall guest comfort.
  • Collaborated with Director of Marketing and external suppliers to design and implement memorable, immersive guest experiences.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, vendors, sponsors, and partners to ensure seamless operations and high guest satisfaction.
  • Successfully led the inaugural post-COVID summer season for The Jackson, the newest vessel in the fleet, securing long-term bookings and repeat clients for the 2024-25 season.
  • Produced monthly performance reports on public dining charters and private events, highlighting successes and actionable insights for enhancing future guest experiences.
  • Reported to the Chief Financial Officer and General Manager on the profitability of private charters and public events (P&L analysis).
  • Played a key role in the acquisition and seamless integration of The Starship Group into the Sealink organisation, ensuring zero disruption to scheduled events or client satisfaction.
  • Supported the nationwide operation of 166 vessels across all states of Australia.
  • Sealink, a division of the parent company Kelsian Group, operates a fleet of 166 vessels across all Australian states, delivering tourism, private & corporate events as well as marine transport services nationwide.

Event Executive (Freelance)

Self-Employed ABN
Sydney
01.2022 - 08.2022
  • Successfully delivered two of the largest and most high-profile activations at the 2022 Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows, marking their return post-COVID.
  • Led the end-to-end planning and execution of both the Sydney International Boat Show and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, managing all logistical, creative, and stakeholder elements.
  • Managed event production aspects including venue sourcing, entertainment, food and beverage, and supplier coordination for high-end cocktail and banquet events.
  • Oversaw the full event budget and P&L, from initial brief through to post-event wrap-up and financial reconciliation.
  • Designed and executed complex stand displays for both events, coordinating with stakeholders to achieve high-impact presentations.
  • Secured exclusive partnerships with yacht owners for Ferretti vessels, enhancing event prestige.

COVID-19 Officer

Red Dawn Security
Sydney CBD
04.2020 - 11.2021
  • Managed 23 hotel quarantine programmes across New South Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic for Red Dawn Security.
  • Enforced compliance with COVID-19 health and safety regulations, ensuring safety within quarantine facilities.
  • Collaborated with NSW Police, St John Ambulance, and frontline healthcare professionals to implement public health protocols.
  • Supported essential frontline response team during nationwide shutdown of hospitality and events sectors.

General Manager

The Starship Group
Sydney
01.2017 - 03.2020
  • Provided strategic and operational leadership across all departments, ensuring seamless day-to-day management of vessel operations, events, and guest services.
  • Led and motivated cross-functional teams including sales, operations, and event management, establishing clear KPIs and equipping team leaders with the tools and support needed to exceed targets.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with high-value clients, corporate partners, and key industry stakeholders to enhance business opportunities.
  • Led the operational transformation and rebranding of the fleet, enhancing the company's market positioning and significantly increasing premium event bookings.
  • Directed end-to-end event execution in collaboration with a team of event managers, ensuring flawless delivery of high-profile functions and charters.
  • Successfully implemented a new dynamic pricing model, directly contributing to the company's three most profitable financial years on record in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
  • Oversaw renovations and rebranding of both vessels, managing design and marketing campaigns to ensure seamless implementation and maintain operational continuity.
  • Championed professional development across all teams, optimising workforce planning to effectively meet seasonal demand and sustain service excellence.
  • Fostered a high-performance culture across the organisation, increasing team efficiency, guest satisfaction, and long-term client retention.
  • Prepared and presented detailed business performance reports and strategic updates to the board of directors.
  • The Starship Group operates two iconic large-scale event vessels- Starship Aqua and Starship Sydney-specialising in premium private and corporate charter experiences on Sydney Harbour.

Corporate Accounts & Events Manager

The Starship Group
Sydney
11.2015 - 01.2017
  • Successfully planned and delivered numerous high-end corporate events, including the ResMed Annual Conference and Cocktail Function, hosting over 800 attendees.
  • Coordinated with internal event managers and operations teams to manage multiple large-scale functions simultaneously, ensuring seamless execution.
  • Oversaw logistics, timelines, and deliverables for each event, ensuring precise execution under pressure.
  • Provided dedicated one-on-one event consultancy, guiding clients through every stage of planning to ensure flawless execution and client satisfaction.
  • Developed tailored proposals to meet client needs, aligning events with brand objectives and vision.
  • Proactively led business development efforts, securing new corporate accounts and negotiating long-term contracts with high-value clients.
  • Represented the brand at key marketing activations and networking events, elevating company visibility and building strong industry connections.
  • Consistently exceeded sales targets and client retention benchmarks, contributing to significant year-on-year revenue growth and paving the way for promotion to General Manager.

Sales, Weddings & Events Manager

The Starship Group
Sydney
05.2015 - 11.2015
  • Oversaw sales processes and booking management, responding promptly to client enquiries and securing new business through professional engagement.
  • Managed all aspects of event planning and coordination, from initial enquiry through to final execution, for a diverse portfolio of weddings and private functions.
  • Implemented a structured four-stage event planning process, including three detailed progress meetings with clients to align expectations and ensure seamless delivery.
  • Maintained proactive communication with key clients to build trust, address concerns, and ensure high satisfaction throughout event lifecycle.
  • Collaborated with internal teams to deliver multiple large-scale events on time and to quality standards.
  • Performed all administrative duties related to event coordination, maintaining accurate documentation and timelines for each booking.

Education

Multiple Business Management Courses - Key Leadership Skills, Introduction to HR and Workplace Culture

University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW

A-Levels - Business Studies, Health and Social Care, Sociology, Psychology

St Davids Catholic College , Cardiff

GCSEs - English, English Literature, Mathematics, General Science, Design, Nutrition

St Richard Gwyn High School, Barry

Skills

  • Event Management
  • Operational Coordination
  • Logistics Coordination
  • Budget Management
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Guest Experience
  • Service Excellence
  • Financial Acumen
  • Sales KPIs
  • Business Growth
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Workflow Management
  • Brand Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Team building and Training
  • Effective Leadership

Custom

Available on request

Interests

  • I get excited by Travel, the latest Restaurants and new experiences I can learn from
  • I absolute love all things Lego and old music records both providing absolute mediation from the busy world we live in!

Timeline

Volunteer Support Worker - Local Charity
05.2025 - Current
Head of Guest Experience - Sealink Marine & Tourism
09.2022 - 02.2024
Event Executive (Freelance) - Self-Employed ABN
01.2022 - 08.2022
COVID-19 Officer - Red Dawn Security
04.2020 - 11.2021
General Manager - The Starship Group
01.2017 - 03.2020
Corporate Accounts & Events Manager - The Starship Group
11.2015 - 01.2017
Sales, Weddings & Events Manager - The Starship Group
05.2015 - 11.2015
University of New South Wales (UNSW) - Multiple Business Management Courses, Key Leadership Skills, Introduction to HR and Workplace Culture
St Davids Catholic College - A-Levels, Business Studies, Health and Social Care, Sociology, Psychology
St Richard Gwyn High School - GCSEs, English, English Literature, Mathematics, General Science, Design, Nutrition

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Benjamin Mark James Peterson