Federal Group Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Federal Group has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, operational management, and group fiscal oversight.

Committed to excellence in hospitality and gaming, Federal Group maintains a legacy of innovation while delivering premium tourism experiences across the Australian market through its diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues.

Leadership Roles at Federal Group

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ross Blaikie
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Joe Aboufarah
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicholas Linnett
  • Chief Information Officer - Simon Mackay
  • Ross Blaikie - Chief Financial Officer

    Ross Blaikie, the Chief Financial Officer at Federal Group, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures rigorous compliance with regulatory standards across the hospitality and gaming sectors. This leadership role involves managing complex investment portfolios and optimizing revenue streams from iconic assets like the Wrest Point Casino and various luxury lodges. By implementing robust budgetary controls, Ross Blaikie directly impacts the long-term stability of the enterprise. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to evaluate expansion opportunities and maintain the competitive edge of the company within the Australian market. Through meticulous oversight of fiscal reporting, Blaikie secures the necessary resources to support ongoing development projects and operational excellence. This strategic focus on financial discipline enables the company to navigate market fluctuations while sustaining growth across all regional business units.

    Joe Aboufarah - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Joe Aboufarah, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Federal Group, oversees the consolidated financial performance of the entire corporate structure. Directing the group-wide accounting and treasury functions, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between operational activities and long-term fiscal objectives. This leadership role involves managing the financial integration of new acquisitions and the ongoing performance of established assets like the Vantage Group hotels. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Joe Aboufarah directly impacts the strategic direction of the company. The Group Chief Financial Officer works closely with executive leadership to optimize capital structure and manage risk across the diverse business units. Through the implementation of comprehensive financial modeling, Aboufarah supports the sustainable growth of the organization. This focus on group-level fiscal governance ensures that the company remains well-positioned to invest in future developments and maintain its leadership in the Australian hospitality and gaming landscape.

    Nicholas Linnett - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicholas Linnett, the Chief Operating Officer at Federal Group, manages the daily operations of the diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and gaming venues. Overseeing the execution of service standards, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every guest interaction reflects the premium quality associated with the brand. This leadership role involves coordinating logistics across the various properties, from the historic Wrest Point to the modern Saffire luxury lodge. By streamlining operational processes, Nicholas Linnett directly impacts the efficiency and profitability of the entire hospitality group. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with department heads to maintain high performance in the gaming and retail liquor divisions. Through the oversight of regional operations, Linnett drives consistency in service delivery and facility maintenance. This commitment to operational excellence supports the broader mission of providing world-class experiences while upholding the rich history and reputation of the company within the Australian tourism sector.

    Simon Mackay - Chief Information Officer

    Simon Mackay, the Chief Information Officer at Federal Group, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the extensive network of hotels and gaming facilities. Overseeing the integration of advanced technology systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity and data security across all properties. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy platforms to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency within the hospitality division. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Simon Mackay directly impacts the ability of the company to leverage data analytics for improved decision-making. The Chief Information Officer manages the deployment of gaming machine distribution software and network systems that power the diverse portfolio of pubs and clubs. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Mackay optimizes internal workflows and protects sensitive corporate information. This focus on technological innovation allows the organization to maintain its status as a leader in the Australian tourism and entertainment industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Federal Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Federal Group?
    Federal Group is led by Ross Blaikie (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joe Aboufarah (Group Chief Financial Officer) and Nicholas Linnett (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Federal Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Federal Group includes leaders such as Ross Blaikie (Chief Financial Officer), Joe Aboufarah (Group Chief Financial Officer), Nicholas Linnett (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Federal Group have?
    Federal Group has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Federal Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Federal Group includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer.