Rob Clifford is one of Australia and New Zealand’s most respected voices in the food, beverage, and destination‑development landscape. With more than 25 years shaping hospitality experiences across two continents, he brings a rare combination of operational depth, strategic insight, and industry leadership.
Rob began his career with Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts, holding senior management roles across Perth, Canberra, and Macau. His trajectory quickly accelerated, leading him to the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre before relocating to Melbourne to head EPICURE—Australia’s largest catering brand. These roles cemented his reputation as a specialist in large‑scale operations, concept development, and high‑performance hospitality environments.
In 2015, Rob founded Alto Cibum Consulting, a Melbourne‑based advisory firm dedicated to transforming hospitality and food & beverage businesses. Under his leadership, Alto Cibum has become a trusted partner to private operators, developers, architects, and government bodies—helping shape venues, precincts, and brands through concept creation, placemaking, operational strategy, and market‑driven innovation. The consultancy’s work spans Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on future‑proofing businesses and elevating guest experiences.
Rob also contributes his expertise at board level, holding positions across listed companies, not‑for‑profits, and emerging start‑ups. During his tenure as President of the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce, he opened the organisation’s Dublin office and played an active role in strengthening trade relationships between the two countries.
Today, Rob brings his industry leadership to Boston Brokers, joining forces with a specialist team to deliver unparalleled insight and capability to the food and beverage sector. His ability to blend creativity, commercial strategy, and operational excellence makes him a powerful ally for business owners looking to grow, evolve, or exit with confidence.
