About Our Team
We’re immensely proud of the diversity of our team, representing the wonderful landscape of talented individuals here in Vancouver from all parts of the globe. Meanwhile, our core values call for a friendly yet professional character befitting a premier catering company. In other words, we’re fun people, creating seriously good food and providing exceptional service.
James Thornley
Owner. Visionary. Storyteller.
James is a seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience in Destination Management, Event Production, Event Supply, Cooking and Catering. He is not only Peake’s visionary owner, he’s also one heck of a nice individual to collaborate with when catering an event. James believes passionately in listening to each client’s ideas, then transforming them into delectable cuisine at an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind celebration. Ask James to recount one of his legendary culinary stories – it won’t disappoint.
Matthew Robinson
Integrator. Master Organizer. Artist.
Being born and raised in North Vancouver makes Matt an original Vancouverite. It’s clear that Matt’s passion is organization, a skill he has mastered after nearly 25 years in event -related industries. Moving people, equipment, vehicles and naturally, great food, is what he does so well, to the awe of teammates and fellow company directors. On occasion, the Peake team is lucky to get a glimpse of Matt’s considerable artistic abilities, including hilarious team renditions.
Michael Chan
Executive Chef. Catering Star. Foodie.
As a youngster, Michael watched his parents engage the challenges of running a kitchen. Witnessing this culinary dedication, he followed in their footsteps. Michael enjoyed success in prominent Hyatt Hotels, further broadening his skills with great chefs and restaurants, including Michelin- starred Chef Thomas Heinrich. Since joining Peake, he has showcased his catering talents magnificently. Michael and his wife’s passion for fine food is also demonstrated with their amazing knowledge of the Vancouver dining scene.
Alexander Robinson
Director of Operations. Beverage Guru. Action Man.
Alex is a food enthusiast with over 20 years’ experience in the events industry. He brings a highly dedicated and detailed perspective to Peake, with an eye for finding process-driven solutions to challenging problems. Alex also lends his knowledgeable voice to Peake’s beverage procurement decisions, bringing on board BC’s finest beverage supplies for our customers to enjoy. During his free time, Alexander enjoys travelling, swinging kettlebells and playing soccer, sometimes all at the same time.
Audrey Wong
Director of Sales & Marketing. Leader. Dog Whisperer.
Audrey has enjoyed an extensive career in the hotel and catering industry. Before joining Peake, her previous roles included Catering and Events Manager at the Westin Bayshore Hotel Vancouver, as well as Director of Catering with the famed Hawksworth Restaurant Group. Audrey is much admired as a caring and committed leader, connecting intrinsically with both her team and her valued clients. Fun fact: Audrey’s dog Shilo speaks three languages. What a talented canine.
Natalia Croitor
Senior Sales & Events Manager. Personality. Fashionista.
Since joining Peake in 2013, Natalia has planned some of our largest and most prestigious events. Her driven, sincere and personable manner creates a wonderful impression for each of her clients. From small intimate get-togethers to large, plated dinner galas for over 1,000 guests, our staff and customers know Natalia will carry out each event to perfection. And as a bonus, she lights up any room with the sparkling ‘bling’ she wears with every outfit.
Janine Nicolas
Sales & Event Coordinator. All-Around Gal. Go-Getter.
Armed with a robust education in hospitality and business management, Janine boasts over 15 years of expertise in the service industry including pivotal roles at esteemed establishments like Pan Pacific Hotel, Telus, and Boston Pizza. Notably, she excelled as an Assistant General Manager for seven years at a prominent chain restaurant, showcasing exceptional leadership and organizational skills. Janine is a versatile asset in any role, and her fervent passion for event planning and mixology, coupled with a love for exploring new culinary experiences, sets her apart.
Michael Parmentier
Sous Chef. Motorcycle Enthusiast. Fun Guy. Sincere.
With a career spanning a quarter of a century in hospitality, Mike has an impressive list of work experience that commenced in Toronto. His journey boasts a stint as the lead event Chef at the renowned Art Gallery of Ontario, followed by being the inaugural Chef to be internally appointed at Ripley's Aquarium. Mike further embellished his culinary journey at esteemed establishments such as Il Fornello and Trattoria Nervosa. Upon relocating to Vancouver, Mike has continued to excell at Peake, where he has been for nearly seven years. Mike loves events, fulfilling memorable moments for our guests through the medium of delicious food.
Jerome Soubeyrand
Sous Chef. Fitness Enthusiast. Dog Lover. Always Good.
Born and raised in Lyon, France and armed with creativity, classical skills and flair to spare, Jerome scored his first Michelin star role at age 17. He then honed his craft in no fewer than eight Michelin-starred hotspots across Europe before coming to Vancouver, working alongside such renowned culinary talents as Paul Bocuse, Joël Robuchon, Hélène Darroze and Daniel Boulud. Jerome arrived a few years ago in Vancouver, worked alongside Lee Cooper at Coquille as executive sous chef, Black and Blue and Riley's Fish and Steak as executive chef which received a Michelin Guide recommendation.
Rob Quirey
Logistics & Maintenance Coordinator. Nerd. Musician.
As a child, Rob was fascinated by how things worked and what things were made of. This passion has taken his career everywhere from warehousing and manufacturing to studying math and physics. Through the local music scene, he made connections that brought him to the catering industry, where his talent and passion naturally drove him towards the detailed work and practical problems of operations. Rob has spent the past four years as a logistics specialist and has recently taken up the mantle of operations management. In his free time, you might catch him taking in a local show, or noodling on a piano… or doing math for fun!
Valerie Hulley
Events & Service Manager. Innovator. Swiss Army Knife.
A seasoned professional in the hospitality and catering industry with an impressive 40-year career. With 13 years dedicated to Peake Catering | Events, her expertise in delivering exceptional culinary experiences is unmatched. Valerie has a remarkable talent for decor, design, and staging, creating breathtaking atmospheres for any occasion. When not captivating guests with her catering magic, you can find Valerie indulging in her passions for gardening and exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City.
Robert Young
Brock House Venue Manager. Optimist. Travel Enthusiast.
Trained as a professional cook, Robert honed his culinary skills in restaurant and catering kitchens before expanding his experience into guest services. Multifaceted and skilled in catering logistics, events execution, operations, and sales, he has even applied this knowledge to aid in creating food programs for local not-for-profit organizations. An avid learner with a love for travel and neat airplane tidbits, Robert brings a well-rounded perspective to the team, fostering diverse connections and embracing delicious experiences.