Industry powerhouse Laundy Group has announced the appointment of former LMG CEO Gavin Saunders as Chief Operating Officer for the pub group amid ongoing expansion.
Slated to commence as COO 19 October Saunders will lead the group’s hospitality operations as it continues to grow its hotels business and takes its next steps, into media.
For close to 14 years Saunders has served as Chief Executive Officer of Liquor Marketing Group (LMG), leading the business through a period of significant growth, strategic acquisitions and continued investment in retail innovation and customer loyalty.
Laundy Group owns and operates more than 50 hotels across NSW and earlier this year took a plunge into Australian media through acquisition of Nine Entertainment’s radio assets, including 2GB Sydney, 3AW Melbourne, 4BC Brisbane and 6PR Perth.
The new COO will oversee the continued growth, and is seen as key to the fourth-generation family operation’s building for the future.
Arthur Laundy believes good businesses are built by good people and is “delighted to welcome Gavin” as they continue to invest in their people, explaining bringing in Saunders was “a really important step” for the hotel group.
“Gavin brings a wealth of experience, a strong commercial mindset and a genuine understanding of our industry. Throughout his career he’s built a reputation for growing successful businesses while never losing sight of people, customers and culture.
“He understands hospitality, understands independent business, and shares many of the values that have always been important to our family.
“He’ll play an important role in leading our hotels and hospitality operations, and we look forward to the experience, leadership and fresh perspective he’ll bring to the business.”
Frequently tweaking the collection, this year alone the Laundy Group has bought the Ashmont Inn in Wagga in its first sale ever, and the Woy Woy Hotel from Harvest Hospitality, and backed a syndicate buying the Imperial Hotel in Singleton.
Late 2025 the group unveiled a $3 million renovation of the famous Watsons Bay Hotel.
The new entry to the Laundy team says he is excited to join them at an important point in their journey.
“Laundy has built an outstanding reputation over many years and continues to evolve while staying true to what has made the business successful,” Saunders says.
