David Assef
Managing Director of Spicers Retreats
A little bit about David…
Spicers Retreats Managing Director, David Assef, has worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for over 25 years. He started his career with Spicers Retreats as the General Manager of Spicers Clovelly Estate in May 2009. From here David went on to become the Area General Manager of Spicers Retreats Sunshine Coast until his appointment to Managing Director in 2014.
David completed a Bachelor of Hospitality, Tourism and Business with other training in marketing and executive acumen for innovative strategic thinking and has recently completed a Mini MBA in Marketing.
David has taken Spicers Retreats from strength to strength working alongside the company’s owner, Jude Turner. When David began in his role in 2009 there were only three retreats, Spicers Peak Lodge and Spicers Hidden Vale and the brand has now grown to offer nine retreats, four bush camps and a two, five and seven day luxury guided walk.
Since being at the helm of the company, the Spicers Retreats collection has grown to include Spicers Balfour Hotel - a chic inner city hotel in Brisbane, Spicers Sangoma Retreat - an intimate eco-retreat in the Blue Mountains, Spicers Retreats Bush Camps in the Scenic Rim in Queensland, Spicers Guesthouse - located in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, the Hunter Valley and a row of terrace houses that in 2017 became Spicers Potts Point in Sydney.
David has led Spicers Retreats through a number of significant moments in the company’s history including the multi-million-dollar refurbishment of Spicers Guesthouse, the devastating fire at the nearly 100-year-old Homestead at Spicers Hidden Vale in 2018, the 2020 Queensland and New South Wales bushfire disasters and the unprecedented 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic.
David’s most recent achievement is the launch of the much anticipated 5-day Scenic Rim Trail. Jude’s vision of one day walking from Spicers Peak Lodge to Spicers Hidden Vale launched in June 2020 bringing to life a dream 10 years in the making. The two and five day walks link together perfectly to make a seven day walk going from one property to the other.
Over the years, Spicers Retreats, including their award-winning restaurants, have become sought after destinations for luxury travellers from Australia and around the world.
David’s specialist skills and experience lie in driving growth, leading senior management teams and growing brand reputation. He possesses strong financial acumen, has the ability to motivate a workforce to generate successful outcomes and is effective at leading transformation and innovation at a brand level. David is proficient in shaping culture to bring about industry best guest centric experience and service.
