Rob Cockerill has been appointed Executive Chef at Bennelong, succeeding Peter Gilmore following the completion of Peter's tenure at the Sydney Opera House restaurant
The appointment completes a planned leadership transition at one of Australia's best-known restaurants, with Rob stepping into the role after more than a decade at Bennelong and a long working relationship with Peter that began at Quay.
A planned transition
Peter concluded his tenure at Bennelong at the end of June after leading the restaurant since its reopening under Fink Group in July 2015.
His departure had been announced in advance as part of a succession plan, with Rob taking over as Executive Chef after serving as Bennelong's Head Chef.
The appointment provides continuity for the restaurant, with the leadership passing to a chef who has helped shape Bennelong's kitchen since its reopening.
From Quay to Bennelong
Before joining Bennelong, Rob spent seven years as Senior Sous Chef at Quay, working alongside Peter during one of the defining periods of the restaurant's history.
In 2015, he joined the opening kitchen team at Bennelong when the restaurant reopened inside the Sydney Opera House under Fink Group.
Over the following decade, Rob progressed to Head Chef, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the kitchen while working alongside Peter.
According to Bennelong's official chef profile, Rob has built strong relationships with Australian farmers, fishermen and artisan producers throughout his career, with seasonal Australian ingredients remaining central to his approach to cooking.
Bennelong's journey
Bennelong reopened in July 2015 after Fink Group was appointed to operate the restaurant within the Sydney Opera House.
Led by Peter, the restaurant established itself as one of Sydney's leading dining destinations, earning recognition for its produce-led menus and its celebration of Australian ingredients.
Throughout that period, Rob played an important role in the kitchen's day-to-day leadership as Head Chef, helping maintain the standards that have become synonymous with the restaurant.
His promotion reflects more than a decade of experience within the Bennelong kitchen and a long-standing understanding of the restaurant's philosophy and approach.
Looking ahead
Rob now takes responsibility for leading the Bennelong kitchen following Peter's departure, continuing a succession plan that had been publicly outlined before the transition took place.
For Australian chefs, the appointment represents the promotion of a long-serving senior chef into one of the country's most recognised executive chef roles after years spent developing within the same business.
The appointment marks the next chapter for Bennelong under a chef who has been part of the restaurant's journey since its reopening in 2015.
