Franca Forde Director Franca has worked in the hospitality industry since 1964, and has managed 32 hotels in that time, from small family motels to a 440 Unit Resort. In 1979, she relocated to Cairns to run a local hotel, however having experienced the shortage of skilled staff in the region, started the "Black and White Brigade" in 1989, later to become the Forde Group. Her role in the company today is to source potential sites of acquisition so that the Forde business model can spread throughout the state.

Paul Fitzgerald General Manager Paul has been the GM of Forde since emigrating to Australia in 2004. He has a BSC degree in Psychology from Glasgow University and has over 15 years experience as a business owner in the recruitment Industry. He is cognitive of the crucial responsibilities that Forde have within the local economy and has developed world class disciplines to ensure that Forde play a leading role in resolving the shortage of skilled workers in the region. The sourcing, training and injecting of up to 500 permanent and 2000 casual staff into our economy each year, underlines the commitment he has to ensuring that Forde remains a key asset in the local labour market.

Brian Forde Operations Manager After completing his schooling in NSW, and being awarded the NSW College Scholarship to the University of NSW, Brian accepted a position with a leading financial institution in Sydney. After 6 years, Brian then joined the Hospitality Industry, and this career has spanned a period of 35 years of hotel operation ranging from: Managing a 450 rooms Resort, to the Operations Manager of 35 properties around Australia. Brian entered the recruitment industry in 1989 to further utilise his past experiences.

Joanne Titmus Payroll Joanne is Forde Group's Payroll Officer, and focuses on ensuring that all of our staff, which number over 600 in the peak season, are paid correctly, on time, each week. She is available to answer any payroll queries or concerns our staff may have between Monday and Wednesday. Joanne brings her extensive knowledge of hospitality and tourism industry to Forde from her previous experiences in the marine industry.

Jo Croft Port Douglas Branch Manager Born and raised in the UK, Jo worked in hospitality from as far back as she can remember. Completing a degree in Hotel & Business Management, working as an Accommodation Manager at Warwick University & as a duty manager in a Conference centre, before setting off travelling to New Zealand. Re-locating to Australia with her partner, Jo is now the fresh face of our Port Douglas office, which re-opened earlier this year.

Jackie Gibb Consultant - Housekeeping & Temporary Division Jackie is a rare breed of person, who is capable of handling almost anything life throws at them, with a grace and dignity that few possess. As a Consultant in the Housekeeping & Temporary Division, Jackie has a deep sense of civic responsibility and is very mindful of the standards expected of her clients. Jackie's dedication to delivering excellence on behalf of her clients is a powerful motivator for her. She is also mindful of the Forde Team's ability to achieve the correct work/lifestyle balance, making sure that their job is fun and vibrant.

Kieren Tetlow Consultant - Townsville Division Kieren has worked as a chef for the past 13 years. He started with his training in the Nelson/Marlborough region of New Zealand. This gave Kieren the opportunity to work in many award winning restaurants, and along side many international quality chefs, whilst having the rare opportunity to enjoy one of New Zealand's premiere food and wine regions. He then travelled the world working in Michelin star restaurants in London, 5 star resort kitchens in the Whitsunday Islands and gaining awards of his own. The proudest of these achievements would have been winning Taste Nelsons "best international menu". Having worked in the hospitality industry for an extensive period and being in Townsville for the past 5 years he brings to Forde an exceptional understanding of the industry and the local environment. In March 2009, Kieren was promoted to the Branch Manager's role for the Forde Group in Townsville.

Elisa Richardson Consultant Elisa hails from Newcastle NSW and has completed a Hospitality Management Diploma, Certificate VI in Business Marketing. She is also currently studying a Diploma in Business Marketing. Elisa has worked in many large five star properties during the past 10 years, excelling in positions such as Conference/Banquets Coordinator and Sales/Reservations Coordinator for the Intercontinental Hotels and Stella Hotels Groups, both on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, before relocating to Townsville this year. She is tenacious, professional and totally committed to delivering excellence in her work and will be a huge asset to Forde in the months and years to come

Nicole Magno-Thornton Front Office Coordinator Nicole is a vivacious Melbournian, who is the Forde Group’s Front Office Co-Ordinator. She has a strong background in both administration and reception and her professionalism in dealing with a vibrant and dynamic reception has proven to be a real asset to the Forde group. She is patient and compassionate when dealing with our many international job seekers and highly articulate and efficient when liaising with our valuable clients. Nicole is the first impression that visitors get of the Forde Group and she carries this responsibility with courtesy and effeiciency.