Paul Grainger — Former CEO The Brisbane Club — Reflects on a Career in the Hospitality Industry & Talks the Importance of Having a Thick Skin and Fine Sense of Humour.
Paul Grainger is CEO of The Brisbane Club, one of Australia’s premier private clubs with a tradition of excellence since 1903. The Brisbane Club is home to over 2200 local, international and interstate members from the professional and business industries. Paul is currently responsible for the operation and strategic direction of the club, reporting to a board of directors. It’s a role Paul approaches with commitment and passion, he is someone who thrives on responsibility and who has dedicated his entire professional life to working within the hospitality space. He has some excellent insights about the unique challenges and rewards of working in the industry, which he shares on the Arete podcast.
Paul was born in the United Kingdom, the eldest of two brothers. His father’s work as an engineer meant Paul’s family travelled extensively, and he spent some of his formative years in unusual locations, such as Nigeria. His early experiences instilled him with an open mind and world view. Paul has the ability to communicate and collaborate with people from all walks of life, backgrounds and cultures. It’s an attribute which has been key to Paul’s success in the hospitality industry.
Paul is a self confessed lover of “all sports,” but since a young age, has had a particular passion for soccer, or ‘football’ as Paul, perhaps more aptly, refers to it. He graduated from a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science and Leisure Management with Honours from The Manchester Metropolitan University, and played semi-professional soccer to fund his studies. Paul’s expertise as a leader within a club environment and as a hospitality manager took him to Hong Kong, before he relocated to Australia. Prior to joining The Brisbane Club in 2015, Paul was General Manager of Brisbane Polo Club and General Manager of Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club. Since 2008, he has been Director of Leisure Strategies, providing consultancy and boutique executive services to the private club, recreation, golf, spa and leisure industry. Paul lives in Brisbane with his family.