SCOTT BUSH
Chief Executive Officer
Scott Bush was appointed CEO of The Cheesecake Shop in Australia in 2022, eager to reignite passion for the nostalgic brand as he and his team pursue ambitious expansion plans for the business across Australia and New Zealand.
The versatile and dynamic business leader joined The Cheesecake Shop after two decades with Domino’s, where he oversaw operations inside the brand, most recently as CEO of Domino’s in Ireland. Scott brings his appetite for the franchise industry to his role as CEO, alongside an innate ability to build connections, innovate and lead franchise teams to success. With exceptional leadership skills and business acumen, Scott is focused on growing The Cheesecake Shop's sales and improving company and franchisee profits.
BRAD DIGHT
Chief Information Officer
Brad Dight joined The Cheesecake Shop in August of 2023 in the newly created role of Chief Information Officer (CIO), after consulting for the brand for a couple of months prior.
Brad has extensive experience in leading digital and technology teams, delivering strategy and overseeing cybersecurity, governance, compliance, applications, infrastructure and operations with high-profile brands including Virgin, Craveable Brands, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited and Tatts Group.
Brad has an outstanding track record in creating and leading high performing teams in large global companies with high-tech complex digital platforms and services.
His appointment to the iconic cake franchise demonstrates the commitment to digital investment for The Cheesecake Shop as the brand embarks on a significant digital transformation.
REBECCA BARNES
Chief Marketing Officer
Rebecca Barnes celebrated joining The Cheesecake Shop in 2023, bringing extensive experience working with franchise-driven businesses, developing brands and delivering compelling marketing campaigns with strong ROI for businesses in varied industries.
As Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Rebecca is set to ensure The Cheesecake Shop is acknowledged as a leader in the franchise industry, delivering the brand story through its core purpose of helping families, friends, communities, and workplaces celebrate life’s sweet moments.
JUSTIN MENZIES
Head of Strategic Initiatives
Justin Menzies has celebrated all the special moments with The Cheesecake Shop since commencing with the brand in 2014 after working as operations manager for Billy Baxter’s café chain for nearly a decade. Before this, he was part of the Pizza Hut corporate team.
Justin understands what it takes to run a small business, having previously opened three of his own franchised pizza restaurants.
As Head of Strategic Initiatives, a newly created role in the business, Justin is focused on building strong relationships with multiple suppliers as he develops retail opportunities for franchisees and works to help position the brand as a leader in industry.
EVELYN ZHOU
Chief Financial Officer
Evelyn Zhou has been celebrating all the important sweet moments with The Cheesecake Shop since 2005.
In her role as Chief Financial Officer, Evelyn leads a team that manages all aspects of the financial management and procedures of the company, including accounts payable. She has also been instrumental in leading the business through the due diligence procedures of two sales during business ownership changes.
She is proud to lead a happy and committed team that has supported the broader business with steady financial management through different chapters in the life of The Cheesecake Shop brand.
GARRY MURPHY
General Manager, Procurement & Supply ANZ
Garry Murphy has been part of celebrations at The Cheesecake Shop since 2019.
In his role as General Manager, Procurement & Supply ANZ, Garry oversees the sourcing, purchase and distribution of the all-important, special ingredients that make The Cheesecake Shop cakes irresistible.
Responsible for all elements of The Cheesecake Shop supply chain, Garry overseas distribution centres in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and supply agreements in New Zealand from his home base of Sydney.
SEAN O’CONNOR
Head of Network Development
Appointed as the Head of Network Development in 2024, Sean O’Connor has a proven track record and a commercial background in the franchising industry having dedicated his career to delivering sustainable growth initiatives to drive network expansion for the likes of Craveable Brands, NightOwl and Concept Eight.
With over 20 years’ experience, Sean’s wealth of knowledge will see him responsible for growing shop locations across Australia and New Zealand, attracting fresh, new franchisees to The Cheesecake Shop business and rolling out the new brand’s refurbishment program across Australia and New Zealand.
Sean’s favourite dessert from The Cheesecake Shop is the Creamy Caramel Cheesecake.
COLIN MELLAR
General Manager - New Zealand
Colin Mellar celebrated a return to The Cheesecake Shop in 2022 after previously working with the company a decade ago.
With extensive experience in franchising and stakeholder management, Colin’s role as General Manager in New Zealand sees him as chief caretaker and custodian of the brand, its stores, and franchisees in New Zealand.
Colin’s experience in iconic brands doesn’t just start and stop with The Cheesecake Shop. His career spans decades of working with well-loved brands including Toyworld, McDonalds, Hell Pizza and KFC. He was also instrumental in expanding the Oliver’s Food brand in Australia.
SUNNY OLAK
Head of Operations
Sunny brings over 30 years of experience with franchise-driven businesses, and nearly 10 years of experience in operations management. As a highly experienced and motivated individual, Sunny has held previous roles with Red Rooster and Retail Food Group (RFG) which saw him guide franchisees and support and grow teams across Queensland and Australia.
Sunny thoroughly understands what it takes to run a small business, having previously operated multiple franchised Domino’s restaurants across Australia and New Zealand for over two decades before his positions with Red Rooster and Retail Good Group.
As Head of Operations, Sunny drives the strategic management of The Cheesecake Shop operations to ensure the success of every franchisee. He is passionate about creating a collaborative environment within the organisation that fosters individual success in order to continue to evolve and develop the brand through innovation, a people-first approach to leadership and operational excellence.
Sunny’s favourite dessert from The Cheesecake Shop is the Belgian Marble Mudcake.
LACHLAN KUSHER
Head of Insights
With more than 20 years’ experience, Lachlan has provided clear and concise insights to support strategic and tactical decision making to a number of high-profile brands including Virgin Australia, Queensland Rail, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited and Busy Bees Early Learning.
Lachlan will be responsible for providing insights to drive sales and franchisee profitability and help provide a roadmap to sustaining long term growth.
He is innovative, customer-obsessed and passionate about data and helping inform the future growth of The Cheesecake Shop brand.
When he’s not crunching numbers, Lachlan keeps busy raising three daughters and you can often find him attending multiple hockey game of a weekend and taking part in many more extra-curricular activities.
Lachlan’s “simply can’t resist” dessert from The Cheesecake Shop is the Citron Glaze.