Meet The Team
George Cocokios
Meet George Cocokios, Canterbury League Club’s Customer Services Manager, who recently celebrated 40 years of service.
George’s first day at Canterbury way back in 1978 involved picking up glasses and cleaning ash trays. He was nervous and excited but determined to work his way up to the top.
It wasn’t long before George became a Supervisor, over the years rising to Assistant Operations Manager, Operations Manager, Executive Manager and finally to his current role of Customer Services Manager.
‘My role is to manage the customer experience aspects of Reception and the Engage Rewards Loyalty program. I work with a great team of Hosts and Reception employees who communicate, promote and upsell the benefits of membership and the loyalty program,’ said George.
Over the years, George has had many iconic Canterbury League Club moments. Some of these include working 12 Grand Finals and when the Bulldogs played at Belmore Sports Ground.
George recalls the Club was packed with supporters and players from both sides creating a memorable atmosphere and vibe.
During the 1980s, George’s charisma and suave landed him a role as a runway model for Grace Bros (now Myer) during a Melbourne Cup Luncheon held at The Club.
It was lights, camera, action and George was given a lesson on how to walk and pose before he walked out on a runway amidst hundreds of members and guests.
‘My role is diverse just like a quote from a mentor of mine who told me ‘My job role is one big interruption.’ Apart from checking emails and attending scheduled meetings I am at the coal face with our members and guests. No two days are the same which makes my job at the Club exciting,’ said George. ‘I enjoy my role at the Club and I have grown with the Club.
During my time, I have had many opportunities such as travelling with work colleagues to the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. Being at the Club, I have also had the chance to develop my skills and knowledge through courses such as The Gaming Managers Development Course (GMDC) and was fortunate to attend a course run by the University of Las Vegas (UNLV).’
George’s career experience and knowledge is widely sought at the Club. This has made him the perfect candidate to mentor and coach younger staff members. In 2012, George’s leadership and mentoring skills were put through the paces when he participated in ‘Max Potential’ a youth leadership program that helped Year 12 school students focus on their local community and ways to improve it.
Outside of Canterbury, George can be found enjoying long walks, playing tennis, attending Sixers BBL cricket games with friends and watching his son play Water Polo for Cronulla.
‘It’s staff members like George that have become a familiar face of the Canterbury League Club family for our members and guests,’ said George Coorey, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank George for his service to the Club over the last 40 years. The hard work and determination that George has shown is a reflection of the genuine passion he has for the Club and our members.’
