TEAM MOTTO
We have experienced executives across marketing, franchising, supply chain, operations, finance and menu innovation that will keep your restaurant fresh and exciting.
WILLIAM LIU
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Motto Motto’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, William has over 15 years experience as a Brisbane hospitality entrepreneur. Most notably, William acquired Sono Japanese Restaurant in Brisbane CBD in 2005 where he led a turnaround of the brand to transform the business into a hospitality icon.
The Sono brand expanded to their flagship location in 2007 to Hamilton’s Portside Wharf, where it became a multi-award winning restaurant. As a qualified accountant who holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland, William leads the executive team at Motto Motto whilst steering the brand’s growth plans around the country.
William lives in Brisbane’s south with his wife Kathy and their two young sons, Alex and James.
LISA YAO
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Lisa first joined William when he acquired Sono in 2005, and brings a wealth of experience in the finance sector, having worked with many start-up brands - to now being responsible for the entire organisation’s administration and finances.
Leading the franchise support office and the group’s shared services, Lisa has a dedicated team of Account Officers and an Administration Manager, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Queensland.
Lisa resides in Brisbane’s south with her husband Benny and their two daughters Caitlin and Claire.
RYUJI TOMIHARA
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Hailing from the top restaurants in Tokyo’s glitzy Ginza, Ryuji began his career in Brisbane as a sushi chef at Sono Japanese Restaurant in 2008.
He has since worked his way to become the General Manager & Executive Chef at Sono, and is the creative mind behind the dishes at Motto Motto.
Ryuji is based in Brisbane’s North with his wife and daughter.
MATT FICKLING
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Lured from burgers to bentos in 2019, Matt made the move north to Motto Motto after leaving his CEO post at Melbourne burger brand, Huxtaburger.
With responsibilities for brand & marketing, supply chain, the value zone, operations and new restaurant development, Matt was appointed to assist with the group's growth plans.
Originally from Western Australia and having lived 5 years in Melbourne, Matt now enjoys the sunshine state with his sausage dog, King Henry.