Leo Coates is the CEO of Coates Group, a global technology company that simplifies complexity through innovative digital solutions and end-to-end services. Since taking ownership of his family’s business at 23 years old, Leo has transformed it from an Australian signage business into a globally-leading technology company with nine offices and nearly 500 employees. Known for his deep understanding of customers, strong client relationships and vision for growth, Leo has driven Coates’ rapid digital evolution with ambition and purpose. His ability to scale at speed whilst staying grounded in the company’s heritage has helped Coates solidify itself as a leading global restaurant experience provider.
Sydney
Sydney
Lisa Taylor
Chief People Officer
Lisa Taylor
Chief People Officer
Sydney, Australia
Lisa Taylor is the Chief People Officer at Coates Group, shaping culture and aligning people initiatives with business goals. She brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience across multinational organisations. Before Coates Group, she was HR Director and Board Member at Volkswagen Group Australia and previously led HR for Quantas’ 2,000-person IT division. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Commerce in HR Management from the University of New South Wales.
Chicago
Chicago
Henry Mowat
President of North America
Henry Mowat
President of North America
Chicago, USA
Henry Mowat is the President of North American Markets at Coates Group, overseeing all business operations, strategy, and performance for our fastest growing segment. Henry joined Coates in 2011 and has since held key leadership roles, including Financial Controller, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Technology Officer. In these roles, he led the expansion of Coates Switchboard™ CMS platform and overall operational strategy. For the past 7 years, he has been based in Chicago, leading Coates’ rapid North American growth. Prior to Coates, Henry spent three years at PwC in London and four years at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and has a colletive 20 years of experience across finance, business operations, and software development. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Technology Sydney and completed his Chartered Certified Accountant accredited by the ACCA UK in 2011.
Chicago
Chicago
Emily Loebig
Chief Brand Officer
Emily Loebig
Chief Brand Officer
Chicago, USA
As Chief Brand Officer, Emily is responsible for the company's creation and execution of the marketing, brand, and communications strategies. She joined Coates Group in 2019, holding senior marketing roles including Marketing Manager and Director of Global Marketing. Previously, Emily built a strong foundation in strategic marketing at Entertainment Cruises Inc., where she led high-impact campaigns and contributed to record revenue growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in News-Editorial Journalism from the University of Illinois.
Sydney
Sydney
Marcus Coates
President of International Markets
Marcus Coates
President of International Markets
Sydney, Australia
Marcus Coates is the President of International Markets, responsible for leading global sales, strategy, operations, and growth for all markets outside of North America. Having begun his career at Coates, Marcus recently celebrated his 20 year anniversary with the business in which he has held several senior leadership roles including General Manager of China & Chief Operating Officer before taking his current role as President of International Markets. During his tenure with Coates, Marcus has spent much of his time abroad developing global markets, including a relocation to China for seven years to build Coates' base of operations and strong market presence throughout Asia. He holds a Bachelor of Business from Western Sydney University.
Chicago
Chicago
Jeffrey Steres
NAM Chief Information Officer
Jeffrey Steres
NAM Chief Information Officer
Chicago, USA
Jeffrey Steres is the Chief Information Officer for our North American business, overseeing technology delivery for our customers in the U.S. and Canada. Jeff is also the senior leader responsible for our largest customer account. He has spent his entire career of over 25 years working in QSR technology - including leading digital transformation, partnerships with operations, and driving global tech strategies across major brands. Immediately before Coates Group, Jeff was CIO at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Vice President of International Technology at Restaurant Brands International. He also held a variety of senior technology roles across two decades at McDonald’s. Jeff holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
Sydney
Sydney
Lucy Ohlsson
Chief of Staff
Lucy Ohlsson
Chief of Staff
Sydney, Australia
Lucy Ohlsson is the Chief of Staff, leading global corporate functions across both International and North American markets. She is key in driving business strategy, leadership alignment, internal communications, and cultural engagement. Lucy has spent nearly a decade at Coates Group, where she built the marketing function and later served as Global Head of Marketing and Communications, including two years at the Coates North American headquarters in Chicago. She also held a Leadership Operations role at Canva.
Sydney
Sydney
Tim Knoblanche
Chief Technology Officer
Tim Knoblanche
Chief Technology Officer
Sydney, Australia
Tim Knoblanche is the Chief Technology Officer, leading the development and deployment of the core technology that powers our products and future innovation, a key componenet of our industry-leading solutions. He joined Coates Group in 2017, holding senior roles in strategy, business development, and later as Chief Customer Officer. Previously, Tim spent nearly four years at Commonwealth Bank driving strategic and tech-led transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management from the University of Notre Dam
Sydney
Sydney
James Logie-Smith
Chief Financial Officer
James Logie-Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Sydney, Australia
James Logie-Smith is Chief Financial Officer of Coates Group, where he oversees all finance, business technology solutions and risk management across the global network of Coates Group’s investments and operations. James is a deeply experienced CFO with executive experience spanning global markets across finance, strategy and corporate development in the digital, consumer products and media industries. His career includes leadership roles across a range of Australian and global companies - Sara Lee Corporation, Valspar and Allied Pinnacle to name a few. James holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, a Chartered Accountant designation from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne. He is also a graduate of the Company Directors Course from the Australian Institute of Company Director underscoring his non-executive expertise - James is currently serving as a Director of Documentary Australia Foundation.
Sydney
Sydney
Guy Foster
Chief Strategy Officer
Guy Foster
Chief Strategy Officer
Sydney, Australia
As Chief Strategy Officer, Guy Foster leads the development and execution of company-wide strategy, drives business accountability, and identifies emerging market opportunities. Guy has been with Coates Group for over five years, previously serving as Global Head of Deployment and Support and Chief Commercial Officer, but has 20 years of experience in deploying corporate and restaurant systems globally. Before Coates Group, Guy held leadership roles across the IT and QSR sectors, including IT Consultant at McDonald’s, Restaurant Solutions Manager for McDonald's Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Vice President at Capgemini.
