Paul McGrath | CEO
YHA

Paul was appointed as the CEO of YHA Australia in April 2020, at a time when the global pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the hospitality sector. Recognising the urgent need for change, Paul, with the backing of the YHA Board, embarked on a comprehensive transformation of the organisation, which has served travellers for 80 years. He examined every facet of the business, from operations to guest services, with the aim of revitalising YHA into a modern and dynamic entity. His vision was to create an organisation that not only resonated with today’s travellers but also fostered a strong connection with guests, all while maintaining a commitment to affordable accommodation.  Over the past four years, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the organisation by leading a thorough repositioning and rebranding of YHA, giving it a fresh and modern identity. This strategic revitalisation involved migrating from outdated legacy operating systems to a cutting-edge, entirely cloud-based infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and accessibility.  To support these ambitious changes, he successfully secured refinancing that provided much-needed capital for extensive renovations across the properties, ensuring they meet contemporary standards and attract more guests. His vision also included branching into the food and beverage sector, creating an enticing new revenue stream. As part of this initiative, he has opened several vibrant new cafés and a stunning rooftop bar, which have become a popular social hub at the YHA Sydney Harbour property.  The organisation plans to open a pub in Hobart in September 2025, which will enhance its offerings and strengthen its community presence. Additionally, he has established the Travel to Learn Foundation, a social enterprise initiative dedicated to ensuring that every child has the invaluable opportunity to participate in school excursions. This project aims to foster education and personal growth through experiential learning.  Paul has deep marketing expertise and a reputation for strategic leadership developed across several roles. Paul has operated at a senior leadership level for some of Australia’s leading travel companies, where he gained a deep understanding of the airline, hotels, travel and tourism sectors.