For many professionals, a career in hospitality is a whirlwind of experiences, learning curves and opportunities. For John Toubia, his path to working at Restaurant Associates reflects not just where he’s been, but how he continues to refine his skills and drive impact with his teams.
Before joining Compass Group Australia (CGA) in 2023, John spent years honing his skills in a wide range of hospitality settings. “I’ve worked in nightclubs, bars and restaurants, where no two days were the same,” John recalls. “My time working in casinos was a real game-changer. I was across multiple venues, helping launch new products and cocktails, and working closely with Managers to support their growth. It was fast-paced and dynamic, which meant I had to quickly get across things like security and compliance, while also learning how to lead large teams and keep everything running smoothly, no matter what came my way.”
Starting a new chapter in his career, John joined CGA as Operations Manager for Restaurant Associates. “This role has given me the chance to take what I already knew and apply it in a whole new space,” John shares. “Working across different sites, with different clients and service styles, has made me more flexible as a leader and more mindful about how I create great experiences—for both our clients and our teams. It’s really accelerated my growth.”
Beyond professional development, John appreciates CGA’s focus on the health and wellness of its employees, a key factor in his decision to take on the role. “In hospitality, the hours can be relentless. Since joining CGA, I’ve found a balance that allows me to excel professionally while also maintaining personal wellbeing.”
Guiding Light for our People
John’s role has grown significantly since his start, with the successful mobilisation of new sites and a strong focus on developing high-performing teams. At the heart of his approach is a deep commitment to people, creating environments where his teams feel engaged, valued and empowered to deliver the best possible experience.
“What drives me is our people,” he shares. “Everything I do centres around our team, our leaders, and ensuring that they have the tools and support to succeed. The most engaged teams are the ones that deliver excellence every day. That’s what I strive for, helping our teams be their best so they can create outstanding experiences.”
To ensure team voices are heard, John and the Restaurant Associates team take a people-first approach, reinforcing a culture where feedback drives progress and engagement remains at the forefront. “I’m most proud that we’ve launched a quarterly Restaurant Associates survey to hear from our team more often,” he explains. “The surveys have revealed the key strengths of our sector’s leadership, especially in terms of safety and workplace respect, as well as highlighting areas of improvements. These insights give us a clear roadmap and we’re working with Site Leads to show our teams we’re not just listening, we’re acting. It’s all about making meaningful changes.”
A Standout Star
In 2024, John won the NSW/ACT Leader of the State Award at the Star Awards, an accolade recognising his part in making a tangible difference for his team. “Personally, it was unexpected,” John admits. “I don’t do what I do for personal recognition—it’s always been about supporting our teams, delivering great results, and creating an environment where people can do their best work. But it was validating to see that the impact I make is noticed and appreciated. It’s given me a moment to pause and feel proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Being recognised amongst other seasoned professionals, John felt honoured to be a part of the celebration. “The other nominees are also incredibly experienced operators, and I felt privileged to be recognised alongside them. It reinforced that impact comes in many forms, not just from years of service in the company, but also from the passion, effort and fresh ideas you bring to the table.”
Read more about our People here.
