Ben Shewry

Ben Shewry grew up in a family where resourcefulness was not just valued but essential. His

upbringing in a small town in rural New Zealand, guided by his artistic and open-minded

farming parents, shaped his deep understanding of environment, place, and purpose; values

that form the foundation of his philosophy on leadership, creativity and business.

Ben’s culinary journey began at 5 when he decided to be a chef. By 10, he was in a

commercial kitchen, and by 18, he was qualified and working in restaurants in Wellington

and New Plymouth.

In 2002, Ben moved to Melbourne to expand culinary horizons, joining Attica as Head Chef

in 2005 before taking ownership in 2015. Over nearly two decades, he has transformed

Attica into one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, renowned for its groundbreaking

approach to Australian cuisine and its culture of collaboration and excellence. His leadership

reflects the "4 C's";—culture, community, creativity, and committed perspective—central to

his approach to building successful teams and fostering innovation.

Ben’s story of resilience, leadership, and creative excellence was featured in Netflix’s Chef's

Table (Season 1, Episode 5), where audiences worldwide gained insight into the passion and

vision that define his career. His memoir, Uses for Obsession, is a candid account of his life

and career, exploring the triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned in achieving and

maintaining excellence in one of the world’s most demanding and rewarding industries.