Endeavour Group has announced that its Managing Director, Hotels, Mario Volpe, has passed away.

“It is with great sadness that the Board and Management of Endeavour Group regret to advise that Mario Volpe, Managing Director, Hotels has passed away following a long illness,” the company said in a statement to the ASX.

Volpe’s career with Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) started in the 1980s at the Wanneroo Tavern, a hotel which remains part of its network today.

“Testament to his talent and love of the industry, Mario was appointed Managing Director of the hotels business in 2022,” Endeavour Group said.

“He was a true custodian of our pubs, bringing to life their unique history and stories, and a kind and authentic leader. The imprint Mario left on this business, our people and the industry is enduring. He will be fondly remembered and missed by us all.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Mario’s wife Jacqui, his family, friends and loved ones.”

At the time of his appointment Endeavour Group CEO Steve Donohue said, “Mario has developed a deep understanding of the ALH business through a broad range of operational and strategic roles. He is passionate about creating great hotel experience by empowering his team to be ambitious, innovative and above all, by taking our responsibilities as hoteliers seriously. He embodies the consciousness of our ‘imprint’ and is committed to our purpose, values and ways of working, underpinning our most important asset – our culture.”

Volpe commenced his career with ALH Perth in the 1980s before relocating to Melbourne in 2000 to work in senior strategy roles at ALH and Carlton & United Breweries. He successfully led Coles’ Hotel business from 2009 as Commercial and Operations Manager in Brisbane. In 2016, Mr Volpe returned to ALH Melbourne.

Paul Walton will continue acting as the Managing Director of Hotels, as initially advised in June 2023, and Endeavour Group said it will provide a further update to the market on this role in due course.