The Big Group staff consists of leaders and innovators in every aspect of the hospitality field: renowned culinary experts and chefs, design and event teams and a highly-trained service staff that are the best in the business. The Big Group’s staff has the experience and event knowledge to assist in whatever challenge lies ahead.
In addition to the key staff, each event has a professionally trained support team.
At the end of the day The Big Group’s goal is to provide you with a team that is responsive, responsible and reliable: a team that will lead everyone involved in your event to achieve and exceed your vision.
Meet some of our staff:
Bruce Keebaugh
Co-founder & Director
Bruce Keebaugh is director and owner of The Big Group, one of Australia’s largest privately owned catering and event management companies.
Bruce studied hospitality and hotel management, before beginning his career working with Peter Rowland Catering.
In 1990 Bruce and his now wife Chyka, founded The Big Group. They both took very active roles to establish the business and to date both oversee various aspects of The Big Group companies.
Having a complete understanding of the hospitality business; Bruce’s events have become permanent fixtures on the corporate and private circuit. Whether it be in a marquee at Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, a nationwide launch of prestige cars, international luxury brands in store promotions or corporate banquets and trade shows, The Big Group consistently meets and exceeds the challenge of providing exceptional food, impeccable service and creates a distinct environment for truly unique experiences and enduring memories.
Bruce leads a well established executive team which is comprised of proven hospitality leaders. Now in its 20th year The Big Group employs over 600 employees, 65 of which are fulltime and located at the Richmond head office, warehouse and catering kitchen or at The Big Group’s Dockland sales and marketing office.
Bruce’s expertise and vision has seen him not only become a market leader in his field but a sought after media spokesperson for the catering and event industry. His knowledge and passion for travel and the continued drive to bring a fresh and original approach to the Melbourne catering scene has seen him extend his services to consulting for corporate and private projects internationally.
Chyka Keebaugh
Co-founder & Owner
The other half of The Big Group creative duo is Chyka Keebaugh.
Chyka has a reputation for being one of the most creative and innovative event stylists in Australia. Her ideas and talent have featured in numerous design, fashion and interior magazines over the years. She was a regular guest on Good Morning Australia for several years.
Before meeting Bruce and establishing The Big Group, Chyka started her career as a cadet with the iconic Australia Hotel. Here she learnt all aspects of the hospitality industry. With a burning desire to travel and see the world Chyka embarked on a journey which saw her live in London and study at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, which is known as being a worldwide leader in gastronomy, hospitality and management.
Having excelled at her studies she went on to satisfy her love affair with flowers and attended the Constance Spry Floristry School. After completing her training, Chyka worked for Laura Ashley where she developed a passion for textiles and design.
On her return to Australia, Chyka worked as a senior steward for Peter Rowland Catering. It was here that she met her husband to be, Bruce Keebaugh.
Both Chyka and Bruce shared the same passion food and the desire to inject a fresh approach into the Melbourne catering scene so it was inevitable that they would venture out on their own. In 1990 The Big Group was established. With Chyka’s cooking skills and natural style along with Bruce’s ability to anticipate what the market needed their fresh and original approach quickly gained momentum.
Brenda Bailey
General Manager, Sales & Marketing
Brenda started with The Big Group as an executive manager and mentor, responsible for the sales and marketing of; ‘Champions’ at Federation Square and The Old Treasury Building, as well as the marketing and leadership of the sales team at Head Office. She has more than 20 years in the industry, including opening various function centres and many years within the hotel industry.
With The Big Groups acquisition of both Myer and ANZ catering services in 2009, Brenda has moved into the position of General Manager, Corporate Sales and will oversee the running and management of these sites at the Docklands.
Kate Langford
General Manager, The Big Group & Associated Companies
Kate joined The Big Group two years ago charged with implementing the Company’s new retail brand Capital Kitchen. The brand has developed into a significant and popular destination at Chadstone Shopping Centre and has been a success from day one. Kate was not only instrumental in overseeing and bringing to fruition every facet of the start-up, but the brand has become a key component of The Big Group’s portfolio.
Highly regarded as a brilliant communicator and team player, at the beginning of 2011 Kate was appointed to her current position as General Manager of The Big Group and associated companies.
Kate’s hospitality background began with a seven year stint as restaurant manager at W.A.’s
iconic restaurant Indiana Tea House. This was followed by positions as Food and Beverage Manager at The Sebel Hotel followed by the role of food and beverage manager for the Atlantic Group starting up their Central Pier function space.