Daisy Named #2 Most Influential in Australia's Bar Industry for 2026
Credit: Australian Bartender
Big news out of Sydney Bar Week! Our CEO Daisy Tulley has landed the #2 spot on Australian Bartender's 2026 Top 20 Most Influential list.
The list caps off a year of voting on the Top 100, released earlier in 2026, before the final 20 were revealed live last night at Razz Room.
2026 Top 20 Most Influential:
1. Dre Walters – Old Mate’s Group
2. Daisy Tulley – Mucho Hospitality Group
3. Stefano Catino – Maybe Group
4. Luke Whearty – Byrdi
5. Natalie Ng – Suntory Global Spirits Oceania
6. John Galiatsatos – Suntory Global Spirits Oceania
7. Claudia Morgan – Bar DEMO
8. Dylan Howarth – Fortunate Son + Palomino Lounge
9. Jenna Hemsworth – Real Good Drinks
10. Pippa Dowden – Mix Haus + Bar Love
11. Mark Hickey – Spirits Platform + Spirits Academy
12. Anneliese Grazioli – Hanky Panky Lounge + Bar Kokomo
13. Matthew Stirling – Fancy Free Group
14. Cynthia Litster – Pollen Hospitality
15. Dim Rtshiladze – Foxtrot Hospitality Group
16. Kate McGraw – Diageo
17. Michael Madrusan – The Everleigh Group + Bartender’s Choice Consultancy
18. James Thorpe – Odd Culture Group
19. Leah Dunnigan – Savile Row
20. James Irvine – Merivale
Daisy used her speech to put the spotlight on the people around her:
"I wouldn't be here without my business partners, Jeremy Blackmore and Alex Dowd. They've obviously been in the industry for a lot longer than I have. I came in 10 years ago and have made the best of it I possibly can."
"My team is amazing. I wouldn't be here without them, so thank you so much to MUCHO. And thank you so much to the industry for welcoming me, because I am a bit of a blow-in, I understand. I really appreciate it. This is so nice."
Big congratulations to Dre Walters taking out the number one spot. MUCHO’s very own Jeremy Blackmore, Alex Dowd and Bear Murphy also featured in this year's Top 100, an amazing result for everyone.
Congratulations! We’re so proud. Very well deserved.
