Director, Judy McMahon

Judy McMahon is one of Australian hospitality’s quiet heroes.

She began her career working with her late husband Michael at the legendary Bulletin Place then in 1978, then made the move to Gay and Tony Bilson's Berowra Waters Inn. In 1983, she and Michael purchased Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach, working with a young Neil Perry and subsequently opening Perry's in Paddington with him. By 1988, Judy and Michael had sold both restaurants, and moved to work together at the legendary Bilson’s at Circular Quay, where Judy was Function Manager. In 1994, Judy and Michael purchased Catalina, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Judy has been a central part of the restaurant’s success for the last 30 years and continues to lead the team today alongside her son, James, and daughter, Kate.

Restaurant Manager, James McMahon

James was, as he explains it, born to work in hospitality.

James followed his parents into restaurants, and cut his teeth at some of Australia’s most famous fine diners such as banc, Buon Ricordo and est., as well as Sydney favourites Rockpool Bar and Grill and China Doll.

In his role as Restaurant Manager, James now runs the restaurant and dining room, overseeing the team, culture, and operations of the restaurant.

Event Manager, Kate McMahon

Kate, like her brother James, was destined for a career in hospitality.

Kate joined the Merivale Group in 2005, and worked across some of its high-profile venues such as Hemmesphere and Ivy before joining Catalina in 2008 as Restaurant Manager.

Kate’s speciality is events, and her famed annual New Year's Day party quickly became an iconic event on Sydney’s party calendar.

Kate heads the restaurant team alongside James, and has recently taken over as CATALINA’s Event Manager, expanding the role from booking, advising and implementing, to include event styling, supplier procurement and event management from start to finish.

Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier, Andrew de Vries

Moving to the mainland as a wide-eyed kid from Ulverstone Tasmania, Andy felt very lucky to land his first ever job at CATALINA running food.

He was instantly hooked, and knew it was for him.

With the exception of a two year break which took him to Cecconi’s in London in 2005, Andy has been at CATALINA ever since, making him one of our longest serving team members, @ 20 years and counting!

With the late Michael McMahon’s encouragement and guidance, Andy was propelled into pursuing all things wine. Over the years, progressing to his current position as Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier, he has learned the restaurant from the inside out. For the last 12 years this has included the privilege of leading a highly skilled and diverse team of sommeliers. The wine team’s professionalism, knowledge and creativity combine to cultivate one of Australia’s best wine lists.

Andrew is proud to call CATALINA home.

Restaurant Manager, Giovanni Ripani

Bringing with him 20 years of hospitality experience, Giovanni joined the CATALINA team in 2021.

After graduating in hospitality management, and acknowledging that beverages, especially wine, played a crucial part in restaurant management, Giovanni dedicated himself to making a difference.

This led to the achievement of a Level 3 certification from the ASI (Association Somellerie Internationalle) marking the beginning of his professional adventure, taking him to work alongside some of the biggest names in Italy, the UK, France, USA and now Australia, where he calls CATALINA his home.

Bar Manager, Alessandro Cavaliere

Alessandro’s love for the cocktail world began at young age of 19 when he moved to London from his native Lake Como.

With his bartending career just underway, the move inspired a fascination and understanding for all the things cocktails!

After two years in London, Alessandro decided to travel to expand his knowledge taking him to the USA and Spain before settling in Sydney and creating his delicious concoctions which is the CATALINA Cocktail list - lucky us!

Alessandro joined the CATALINA team in 2019.