Sven has long been considered one the most influential people in the Australian Bar industry. He’s the owner of multiple award-winning venues under The Speakeasy Group, founded a hospitality dedicated training platform and a bar-industry consultancy (called Behind Bars). He often writes for industry and consumer publications, presents as an industry keynote speaker and has been inducted by the Keepers of The Quaich - a global honour for dedication to Scotch Whisky.

A new initiative by The Speakeasy Group is their Pathway to Partnership Program - an innovative way to support hospitality professionals to become venue owners. The group has supported previous guests of the program, Alex Boon and Pez Collier to create the hugely successful Melbourne cocktail bar, Pearl Diver.