Duncan Ackery

Duncan is a proven industry professional with a track record of devising, delivering and operating innovative, profitable hospitality businesses.

Born in Sydney, Duncan built a successful Restaurant, Events, Bar and Nightclub business with four individual outlets under the Parks & Cafes banner. Always highly recommended in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, the businesses scooped accolades such as the Cheap Eats Best New Restaurant award for the Atlas Bar & Bistro.

After a successful sale of the business, Duncan moved to London. Securing a tender win from the Corporation of London for Queen’s Park was the start of his UK career. From 1999, Duncan built and developed Tate Catering from a fledgling base into a highly regarded operation. The business won many awards including Time Out Best Design award and Best Wine List at the Moët & Chandon Carlton Restaurant awards.

Duncan joined the Alternative Hotel Group (AHG) in 2006 as Food and Beverage Director with DeVere Deluxe, DeVere Venues and Village Hotels, a portfolio of over 50 sites. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as Chief Executive of Searcys following AHG’s purchase of the business. In August 2009 he left the business to pursue his own business opportunities, the first being a joint venture with V&A Enterprises, the trading arm of the V&A Museum.

From 2002, in conjunction with his other roles, Duncan has offered consulting services. His clients have included: National Theatre, Saddler’s Wells, Corinthia Hotels, Wapping Food, The Science Museum and Green King plc. He is most often engaged by clients seeking to develop new concepts, ideas, and business models. He has vast experience of working with international architects, designers and brand consultants and well as understanding the practical requirements required for businesses to flourish. Most importantly, his creative advice is always delivered in confluence with sound financial modelling.

Duncan lives in London and is a Trustee of Whitechapel Art Gallery.