Amazing thing with amazing people
The challenge in Malaysia has often been staff and service which has created a very inconsistent, and often frustrating, experience for the customer. You should never notice great service, it should be like magic - just happen, ensuring your laughter with friends is never broken. That’s why in 2013 while working in Uganda I created a plan for a place called Drift which would capture everything I love about socialising over great food and booze. Creating an atmosphere that would encapsulate the feeling of "Drift".
My mission in life is to do amazing things with amazing people and we will do amazing things.
That is why you will love what we do at Drift.
Because we do.
Robert Gilliland
Founder/ CEO
Drift Dining and Bar
Robert Gilliland
Robert first had the idea for a bar and restaurant in Kuala Lumpur in 2007 but it wasn't until leaving Global Television, a media company he co-founded, in 2014 that the idea would come to life.
With ten years in hospitality, seven of those spent as Sommelier in highly awarded restaurants such as Flying Fish and Marque (three hats) in Sydney, then 3 years in Malaysia and the Philippines as Managing Director of the Straits Wine Company (a fine wine importer) Robert has the perfect background and experience to make Drift a success.
Robert is also a Shareholder of Restaurant Locavore in Bali, and Mikey’s Original New York Pizza in Kuala Lumpur.
Morgan Granese
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN (CANADA)
Morgan is the perfect person to collaborate with on the design of Drift, having know Robert for 8 years since first arriving in KL. He is an incredibly talented designer who holds a Bachelors of Interior Design from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Over the past 9 years, his field of work has extended throughout South East Asia, Canada and the Middle East. He offers broad based international knowledge from his experience in the High End Hospitality, working with Taj Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels Inc., Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and the Luxury residential sectors. Since joining PDI in 2011, Morgan has been recognized with multiple design awards including: Gold Award My Dream Home Competition (The Edge 2013), Silver Award, Residential (MIID 2012 & IIDA 2012), Best Kitchen Design Award (IIDA 2012), Top Rising Star (IIDA 2012), to name a few. He and his projects have also been featured in design magazines across Asia. His strong visualization and presentation skills ensure that the intricacies of the clients mandate is met, while his ability to work well under pressure, while effectively working productively in a team, ensures that the project is completed from conception through to styling.
Melanie Matulka
Melanie met Robert in KL many moons ago. Having lived abroad and experienced many different Asian cultures over the years, Melanie provided a perfect fit for the team.
With a marketing and communications background Melanie brings to the team marketing and digital expertise to communicate and position the brand.
In her alternate time she is yoga and mindfulness teacher passionate about making a difference in people's lives.