Andrew (Andy) Penn has had a long and respected career leading public and private organisations – including as CEO of Telstra from 2015 to 2022 where he transformed the company significantly, improving customer service and financial performance.

He has also served as Chair of the Commonwealth Government’s Industry Advisory Committee on Cyber Security.

Andy is passionate about arts and culture in Victoria, and is a member of the Council of Trustees at the National Gallery of Victoria. In 2020 he was awarded the Creative Partnerships Australia Business Leadership Award for his exceptional contribution to Australia’s Cultural life by creating relationships between business and the arts.

In the 2023 Australia Day honours, Andy received an AO for distinguished service to business, charitable organisations, youth and the arts.

Prior to entering Parliament, Steve had a diverse career background, running a local café, working as a public servant in the Department of Justice and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, serving as a councillor and Mayor in the City of Monash, and working for a Federal Member of Parliament.

Steve’s leadership in local community campaigns drew him into politics, where he believes government can make positive change to help people create better lives for themselves. Through his local activism, Steve knows the value that sport plays in bringing together vibrant and inclusive local communities, from the grassroots to the professional level.

Steve’s vision for Victoria is about promoting Melbourne’s globally renowned reputation as a thriving sporting, creative, major events, and tourism capital. This not only benefits our cultural prosperity but boosts our economy and underpins thousands of jobs.

In Parliament, Steve prioritises the improvement of public infrastructure and policy effectiveness in our education, health, housing, and transport systems to address disadvantage and ensure that everyone has the best chance in life. Areas of public policy that Steve has a significant commitment toward are legal and justice reform, climate action and environmental sustainability and enhancing access to mental health treatments.

Brendan McClements became Chief Executive Officer of Visit Victoria in December 2019. 

His appointment followed local and international leadership positions held with commercial organisations and government entities across a range of sectors, including sport, major events, financial services and food and beverage. 

Before joining Visit Victoria, Brendan was the Global Head of Events for TLA Worldwide (2016-2019) and the CEO of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Major Events Company (VMEC) for nine years from 2007. During Brendan’s VMEC tenure, Victoria acquired the 2015 Cricket World Cup, 2015 International Champions Cup (football) and Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, with each of these major events and attractions reinforcing Victoria’s acclaim as a global events and arts capital. Brendan also initiated and oversaw the creation of Victoria’s renowned White Night event. 

Brendan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Media Studies) from RMIT University.

Michael is Oxford Economics’ Head of Tourism Analysis for Asia-Pacific (APAC), leading our analysis of trends and developments in the region and presenting our outlook for tourism activity at industry events. Having worked with Oxford Economics for seven years, Michael has also delivered a variety of projects for clients, including economic impact analysis for attractions, events and sub-sectors of the tourism industry, custom forecasts and scenarios, and the impact of policies on tourism demand. Prior to joining Oxford Economics, Michael worked at the Reserve Bank of Australia for seven years.

Shae Keenan was appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Victoria in 2021. 

Shae has an extensive marketing career spanning two decades at Visit Victoria and Tourism Victoria. She brings a deep understanding of the travel and tourism industries, government, marketing trends and the Victorian tourism landscape. 

Shae has held senior leadership positions at Visit Victoria including as acting CMO (2020-21) and Head of Marketing Communication and Customer Experience (2018-20). She initiated the development and delivery of the ‘Click for Vic’ and ‘Stay close, go further’ campaigns, encouraging Victorian to buy locally and travel within the state in response to challenges brought about by the 2019/20 summer bushfires in regional Victoria and the coronavirus pandemic. 

Shae holds a Bachelor of Business Marketing from Monash University and is a member of the Australian Marketing Institute.

As the Acting Managing Director, Robin is responsible for driving Tourism Australia’s strategies to create sustainable international demand for Australia’s tourism experiences and working with the tourism industry to support the sector.

Robin oversees Tourism Australia’s 16 global markets, which include Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Vietnam. He also leads the commercial team responsible for global distribution development and partnerships, as well as Business Events Australia, a specialist unit that promotes Australia as a business events destination.

Robin has worked in the travel and tourism industry for almost 30 years, before joining Tourism Australia in 2012, he worked across travel retailers, wholesalers and airlines, including British Airways and Qantas, before focusing on destination marketing.

Julia Swanson was appointed CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in 2019. 

Since joining MCB in 2010, Julia has led the business development, bidding, convention servicing, research and Government relations teams on the successful acquisition and delivery of some of the world’s largest and most prestigious business events. She has personally led the bids for some of the most highly acclaimed global medical conferences including the International AIDS Conference 2014, World Congress of Cardiology 2014 and the World Congress of Nephrology 2019.  

In 2020 Julia was appointed to the Leadership Team of The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), a demonstration of her leadership and expertise in the business events industry in Australia. She is also currently on the board of the BestCities Global Alliance.  

Prior to joining MCB, Julia was the Area Director of Sales and Marketing VIC/SA/WA with IHG (InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels) overseeing the Sales and Marketing performance of 8 hotels as well as new hotel openings across the region. 

Julia holds a Bachelor of Business (Catering and Hotel Management) and a Masters of Business (Hospitality and Tourism Marketing). Her sales experience includes 13 years’ experience in a number of international hotel chains.

As the Acting Managing Director, Robin is responsible for driving Tourism Australia’s strategies to create sustainable international demand for Australia’s tourism experiences and working with the tourism industry to support the sector.

Robin oversees Tourism Australia’s 16 global markets, which include Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Vietnam. He also leads the commercial team responsible for global distribution development and partnerships, as well as Business Events Australia, a specialist unit that promotes Australia as a business events destination.

Robin has worked in the travel and tourism industry for almost 30 years, before joining Tourism Australia in 2012, he worked across travel retailers, wholesalers and airlines, including British Airways and Qantas, before focusing on destination marketing.

Lorie Argus was appointed CEO of Australia Pacific Airports Corporation, which runs Melbourne and Launceston Airports, on July 1, 2022.

This appointment followed seven years with Melbourne Airport as Chief of Aviation and Chief of Ground Transport. With more than 30 years’ experience in aviation, she brings a “passenger first” focus to her role.

Lorie started her career in Canada before relocating to Australia and joining Virgin Australia. In her ten years at the airline, she was appointed Manager of International Airport Operations and General Manager of Ground Operations.

In 2017 Lorie graduated with an Executive MBA from Bond University. Lorie is an active member of Chief Executive Women and of the Australian Institute of Directors and became a Graduate of AICD (GAICD) in 2019. Lorie is also a Non-Executive Director of the Australian Airports Association, Airport Council International – World Governing Board.

Born in Geelong and starting his hotel career in Canada at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Adrian has over 30 years’ experience in hotel operations and is an active member of the tourism industry in Victoria.

As Chief Operating Officer, Adrian is the head of Accor in the Pacific region. Accor is the leading hotel and hospitality business in the Pacific with more than 410 hotels, 64,000 rooms and 21,000 team members in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii. Accor also operates 27 lounges on behalf of Qantas as well as concierge services across 68 office buildings in Australia and is proud of the naming rights partnership with Venues NSW for Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Adrian is a non-executive director of the Reef Casino Trust (RCT), a non-executive director of the Australian Accommodation Association, the Australian Hotels Association and the Melbourne Convention Bureau. Adrian lives in Melbourne with his wife Tracy and together they have three adult children. He holds a B.Bus in Catering and Hotel Management and a Masters of Marketing from VU and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Alice Zaslavsky is an award-winning author, broadcaster, and taste-maker, known for bringing vibrancy and vitality to every plate through great produce and clever tricks. Alice is the author of 4 internationally bestselling cookbooks including her latest, Salad for Days. As host of hit TV show ‘A Bite to Eat with Alice’, she inspires home cooks of all skill levels to explore new and fresh flavours, connect through food, and cook with curiosity and creativity. You’ll find her on the socials as @aliceinframes.

Kelly Dickson is the Director, Major Events at Visit Victoria. 

In this role, Kelly leads the Major Events division in attracting a strong pipeline of events to Melbourne and regional Victoria, and maximising the benefit of the state’s diverse, year-round calendar. 

Kelly is a deeply experienced major event professional. Most recently, she was Director, Commercial and Growth at Auckland Unlimited – the body responsible for Auckland City Council’s extensive investment in a portfolio of activities covering economic development, events, attractions, stadiums and facilities, and tourism. 

Prior to this, Kelly provided strategic advisory services to the sport, art and entertainment industries in Australia and internationally though the company she founded, Kelly and Company Advisory. 

She had a 10-year tenure in senior leadership roles with the Victorian Major Events Company including as Chief Executive. 

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) from RMIT University.

Kelly Dickson is the Director, Major Events at Visit Victoria. 

In this role, Kelly leads the Major Events division in attracting a strong pipeline of events to Melbourne and regional Victoria, and maximising the benefit of the state’s diverse, year-round calendar. 

Kelly is a deeply experienced major event professional. Most recently, she was Director, Commercial and Growth at Auckland Unlimited – the body responsible for Auckland City Council’s extensive investment in a portfolio of activities covering economic development, events, attractions, stadiums and facilities, and tourism. 

Prior to this, Kelly provided strategic advisory services to the sport, art and entertainment industries in Australia and internationally though the company she founded, Kelly and Company Advisory. 

She had a 10-year tenure in senior leadership roles with the Victorian Major Events Company including as Chief Executive. 

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) from RMIT University.

Dave Frazer is an independent promoter and founder of Westbound Productions, a Melbourne-based festival and events company operating across regional Victoria.

In 2012 Westbound established the Riverboats Music Festival, a three-day contemporary music event staged on the banks of the Murray River at Echuca-Moama. Attracting 6000 people annually, Riverboats has featured performances by Paul Kelly, Neil Finn and Missy Higgins, and is widely regarded as one of regional Victoria’s flagship annual events.

In 2019 Riverboats was inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, after winning Gold for Best Festival & Event for three consecutive years. Additionally, Riverboats won Gold for Best Festival & Event at the 2017 Australian Tourism Awards.

In 2022, Westbound launched Winter Sounds, a series of intimate performances within the historic halls, churches and bush schools of Daylesford and the surrounding hills. Since its inception, Winter Sounds has featured performances by artists including Gareth Liddiard, Blake Scott, Grace Cummings and Bad // Dreems.

Roger Lancia is the inaugural General Manager of Pt. Leo Estate, joining in 2017 to lead Victoria’s premier lifestyle destination. With more than 30 years of experience across hospitality and tourism, Roger has held senior leadership roles with some of Australia’s most renowned groups, including Lancemore (Lindenderry), Port Phillip Estate, Van Haandel Group (Stokehouse), Accor, and the Grossi Group.

A veteran hospitality professional, Roger’s background spans roles as Executive Chef, Restaurant Manager, and Operations Manager, giving him a rare blend of grassroots knowledge and high-level management expertise. At Pt. Leo Estate, his guest-focused approach and leadership have driven the Estate’s national and international recognition. Highlights include New Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide 2019 and Australian Gourmet Traveller, seven consecutive years of Chef’s Hat recognition, and global acclaim from Lonely Planet and Relais & Châteaux.

Pt. Leo Estate now welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually and has hosted high-profile guests including the Obamas, U2, and Hugh Jackman. The Estate has established itself as Australia’s leading Sculpture Park, with an award-winning winery, cellar door, and acclaimed dining venues: Laura, Pt. Leo Restaurant, and the Wine Terrace.

Beyond the Estate, Roger is Chair of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping Victoria’s largest regional visitor economy and securing long-term financial partnerships with both local and state government.

Kate Berry is the Founder and Creative Director of OK Motels, an innovative cultural initiative that has been transforming rural Victoria’s tourism landscape through music and the arts since 2018. Working from Wadawurrung Country, Berry has developed a distinctive approach to regional tourism that places authentic cultural experiences at its core.

Her journey began with a serendipitous discovery of Charlton, a small town in Victoria’s north-west. This discovery inspired her to create weekend experiences that celebrate the intersection of music, arts, and community. Berry has demonstrated how creative programming can organically attract visitors to unexpected destinations through carefully curated events featuring notable acts like Amyl & The Sniffers, Julia Jacklin, and Marlon Williams.

Berry’s methodology centres on the power of music and arts as natural catalysts for tourism and community connection. Rather than relying on traditional marketing approaches, she allows the quality of cultural experiences to generate authentic word-of-mouth promotion, drawing visitors from across Australia to participate in genuine community moments alongside locals.

What distinguishes her work is the seamless integration of artistic excellence with grassroots community building. Music and arts are the primary drivers that attract visitors to regional destinations and create meaningful cultural exchanges between urban and rural communities. Her events foster an inclusive atmosphere where shared appreciation for creativity becomes the foundation for lasting connections.

Through OK Motels, Berry has established a sustainable model for cultural tourism. Her approach demonstrates that when authentic artistic experiences are prioritised, tourism development occurs naturally, creating economic opportunities while preserving regional destinations' character and community spirit.

Berry’s work represents a thoughtful evolution in destination marketing. It proves that music and the arts can be powerful tools for regional development when approached with genuine respect for culture and community.

Alice Zaslavsky is an award-winning author, broadcaster, and taste-maker, known for bringing vibrancy and vitality to every plate through great produce and clever tricks. Alice is the author of 4 internationally bestselling cookbooks including her latest, Salad for Days. As host of hit TV show ‘A Bite to Eat with Alice’, she inspires home cooks of all skill levels to explore new and fresh flavours, connect through food, and cook with curiosity and creativity. You’ll find her on the socials as @aliceinframes.

Following graduation with a Bachelor of Visual Communication, Bryce began his career working in the Marketing and Advertising departments for national retail businesses. During this time he moved from Graphic Design into Advertising and Marketing Management roles.

In early 2007, Bryce joined Clemenger BBDO Adelaide and quickly rose through the ranks to become Head of Account Management and Board Member, and then in 2013, became Clemenger BBDO Adelaide's fourth Managing Director in 46 years.

In 2015 he moved to Clemenger BBDO Melbourne and then CHE Proximity as a Client Partner working across clients in FMCG, retail, professional service, Government, and more and in 2018 he joined AJF Partnership as Client Partner.

In 2023 I joined Hypetap, Australia's leading influencer marketing and content agency as Managing Director.

Amy is an experienced and motivated General Manager and leader with 13+ years’ experience working in the Public Relations sector.

Declan is a qualified and passionate marketer with a degree in business and law and experience with three global iconic brand, a leading global communications network and global tech giant. He has 15 years’ experience in global, regional and local marketing roles covering consumer marketing, brand development and strategy.

Ralph Hume, is a traditional owner of the Yorta Yorta Nation that lives and works on WOKA (country).
Currently Ralph’s the role of the Cultural Officer at the Dharnya Centre located in Barmah National Park delivering cultural overview eco-tourism offerings to the center, and visitors. 

Ralph’s background includes working within the cultural heritage space as well as oral historian for the state of Victoria, indigenous tourism, and

 recently as the Yorta Yorta ranger, with Parks Victoria, as the team leader of Barmah national park for the past 5 years, then joining YYNAC in April 2025.  

Ralph is passionate about turning his Elders’ ideas and dreams of cultural informed eco-tourism into reality and sharing it with their guests whilst

 protecting and preserving cultural practices for future generations. 

Joseph Saunders is the General Manager of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tours, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gunditjmara tourism enterprise that shares 6,600 years of cultural and aquaculture heritage with visitors from around the world. In this role, 
Joey oversees operations across guided tours, the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café, and the development of new tourism products that balance economic sustainability with cultural integrity. 
He is committed to building intergenerational wealth for Gunditjmara people through training, employment pathways and regenerative tourism practices.

Ash Bartley is a proud Bwgcolman Ewamian woman with extensive experience across tourism, conservation, and land management. She specialises in supporting Aboriginal leadership, cultural capability, and Indigenous-led approaches to caring for Country. Ash has worked with governments, industry, and communities to strengthen partnerships and embed cultural integrity in projects. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience, offering insights that help shape a more inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.  

A proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Bangerang woman, Kerri Douglas follows a long line of staunch Aboriginal women in her educational and art practices. Kerri is a primary school teacher who has been working within the education sector for the past 13 years as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO), assisting schools and early childhood services embedding Aboriginal perspectives into curriculum in classrooms. She has recently moved to DUMAWUL, where her cultural knowledge is now being utilised teaching out “On Country” through tourism and other education content. 

Charmaine is a proud Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong, Nilan Gunditj, Kerrup-Jmara) woman and started working as Tourism Development Officer under the Mana Development Division of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation in November 2022, after working in various roles across the travel and tourism industry for over 28 years. She is currently developing various Cultural tourism opportunities for Eastern Maar, including the new 12 Apostles precinct, and is proud to have merged her commitment to Culture with her passion for tourism, viewing Cultural tourism as an extension of the Cultural responsibility to educate visitors on caring for Country through traditional knowledge and practices.

Rob is a proud Wotjobaluk/GunaiKurnai man with family ties to the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust community.

He have over 30 years’ experience in government, community, sport and tourism, advocating education and understanding of the issues that impact on our people and addressing these appropriately regarding the cultural sensitivities required in program development and delivery.

Rob is currently the Manager of Cultural Experiences at the Koorie Heritage Trust. In this role he delivers cultural competency and cultural safety training to Government, the private sector, community organisations and the general public as well as providing consultation in regards to Aboriginal program development and Reconciliation Action Plans.

Rob also manages guided cultural tours taking in the Trust and along the Yarra River, providing an urban Aboriginal cultural experience for visitors to Melbourne.

Charles has 20 years of experience in the tourism industry as a prominent marketer. He currently leads regional marketing for Visit Victoria, managing large-scale branding initiatives to enhance Victoria’s regional Visitor Economy. Recent campaigns include Every bit different, Stella the Stargazer, Stay close, go further, Click for Vic, and Your Happy Space.

Julian Major is the Head of Research & Insights at Visit Victoria. 

In this role, Julian leads the organisation’s comprehensive research program, including consumer research, visitation measurement and research data subscriptions. This research program provides key business intelligence and market research across Visit Victoria’s Destination Marketing and Major Events teams, supporting business strategy and consumer understanding throughout the organisation. 

Julian is a research and insights leader with experience across academic and commercial research. Previously, he worked for the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science, the world’s largest centre for research into marketing, and GfK, a global market research firm. 

Julian has experience working across a range of sectors and major brands, including Medibank, SEEK, Colgate, Tourism Australia and Federal Government clients. Julian is passionate about marketing effectiveness and has presented at academic conferences and written for B&T magazine. 

Julian holds a Masters of Business (Research) and a Bachelor of Marketing and Communication from the University of South Australia.

Phillip Wild is a seasoned leader in digital transformation and customer strategy, currently leading clients in the AI space at Accenture Song. With a career spanning the globe at leading travel brands, and engaging with local operators, Phillip brings a unique lens to the intersection of technology and travel. At the forefront of AI adoption, Phillip is deeply engaged in emerging trends such as generative engine orchestration (GEO), the rise of the personal agent, and the evolving role of AI in reshaping how tourism operators connect with and serve their audiences. His insights bridge practical implementation with visionary thinking, making him a compelling voice on the future of tourism in an AI-driven world.

Chris Rundle is the Director of Digital, Data & Insights at Visit Victoria.

In this role, Chris leads the organisation’s strategies for digital, data and insights, customer relationship management (CRM) and technology platforms.

Chris is a customer-focused digital marketing and technology leader with more than 20 years’ experience in travel and tourism, banking and retail industries. He has extensive experience leading teams in major digital transformation projects and change management initiatives in agile-working environments.  

Prior to joining Visit Victoria in 2019, Chris spent seven years with ANZ Banking Group working in customer loyalty, credit cards, personal loans and on major digital, data and technology-focused projects. 

His other senior roles have been with the Coles Group working on the relaunch of the Flybuys customer rewards program from 2009-12, and at Choice Hotels International in Australia, New Zealand and Europe/UK.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Business (Honours) from Monash University.

Pete Wallace is the Marketing Manager at Searoad Ferries, the tourism group behind the Sorrento to Queenscliff ferry and a portfolio that spans Explore Australia tours, Western Port Ferries, TARRA restaurant, and Wanderer Adventures at Wilsons Promontory. Across ten years in the business, and now leading a lean in house team, he and his team delivers end to end strategy and execution across brand, content, digital, CRM, and on site experience.

Pete’s remit includes modernising the marketing stack and embedding practical AI. He’s lifted speed to market with AI assisted content operations, introduced human in the loop automation to clear low value work, and turned scattered data into decision ready insights for planning and customer experience. The through line is simple: use AI, automation, and cleaner data flows to sharpen relevance, reduce waste, and make better calls, while keeping governance, ethics, and human judgement front and centre.

His philosophy is straightforward: make the guest experience feel effortless and the team’s work feel lighter. A self described early adopter with healthy scepticism, he embraces the upside of technology, interrogates the risks, and keeps people in the loop. That balance has helped Searoad lift engagement across brands while staying true to what matters most: reliability, coastal character, and memorable journeys across the bay.

Ellie Murtagh focus is Sales and Marketing Operations for Buller Wines and Three Chain Road, and also works across Redbank Wines and Bidja Wines in brand management.

She leads brand development and marketing strategies that span both domestic and international markets.

At Buller Wines, Ellie also works on the tourism and cellar door experience, bringing visitors closer to the stories behind the wines and creating strong links between brand, place, and consumer.

Phillip Wild is a seasoned leader in digital transformation and customer strategy, currently leading clients in the AI space at Accenture Song. With a career spanning the globe at leading travel brands, and engaging with local operators, Phillip brings a unique lens to the intersection of technology and travel. At the forefront of AI adoption, Phillip is deeply engaged in emerging trends such as generative engine orchestration (GEO), the rise of the personal agent, and the evolving role of AI in reshaping how tourism operators connect with and serve their audiences. His insights bridge practical implementation with visionary thinking, making him a compelling voice on the future of tourism in an AI-driven world.

Russel is one of the most prominent voices in media and marketing, particularly through his role as a panellist on the ABC’s Gruen program.

He served as PwC’s first Chief Creative Officer, Executive General Manager at Network 10, and CEO of Y&R Brands. He is currently Partner & Brand Design Advisor at Sayers Group.

Howcroft co-hosts 3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson.

Lisa Patroni is a strategic and purpose-driven leader with over 25 years of experience across tourism, hospitality, events, government, and public 

land sectors. As CEO of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC),

she leads Victoria’s peak tourism body, advocating for innovation, 

sustainability, and industry-wide collaboration to shape a resilient and 

future-focused visitor economy.

Previously at Parks Victoria, Lisa served as Executive Director of Visitor 

Experience, where she led the strategic repositioning of the organisation’s engagement with visitors, communities, and commercial partners. Her work focused on embedding a values-driven culture, modernising digital and brand strategies, and strengthening the organisation’s role in connecting people with nature. She played a key role in aligning public land use with tourism, conservation, and community outcomes—ensuring that the visitor economy supported both environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Lisa has held senior executive roles at the Victoria Racing Club, Peter 

Rowland Catering, Hilton Hotels Worldwide, and the Melbourne 

Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she consistently led innovation, 

brand evolution, commercial growth and stakeholder alignment. Her 

leadership is marked by a commitment to purpose-driven strategy, 

industry collaboration, and creating environments where teams thrive and

ideas translate into impact.

Brendan McClements became Chief Executive Officer of Visit Victoria in December 2019. 

His appointment followed local and international leadership positions held with commercial organisations and government entities across a range of sectors, including sport, major events, financial services and food and beverage. 

Before joining Visit Victoria, Brendan was the Global Head of Events for TLA Worldwide (2016-2019) and the CEO of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Major Events Company (VMEC) for nine years from 2007. During Brendan’s VMEC tenure, Victoria acquired the 2015 Cricket World Cup, 2015 International Champions Cup (football) and Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, with each of these major events and attractions reinforcing Victoria’s acclaim as a global events and arts capital. Brendan also initiated and oversaw the creation of Victoria’s renowned White Night event. 

Brendan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Media Studies) from RMIT University.