Our Leadership Team

Avril is a seasoned events professional bringing over two decades of experience in the industry, spanning corporate, community, government and major events.

Prior to her appointment as Executive Director Events for Experience Gold Coast, she played a pivotal role in establishing the entity, shaping its strategic vision, and creating a framework to attract and support events on the Gold Coast.

Brant has held senior roles in Australia and globally, most notably Nike where he was VP/GM, Shanghai and Beijing and Olympics Lead for Nike China.  With over a decade of senior executive career experience, Brant leverages extensive General Management and Marketing experience to lead high-performing teams and drive impactful change through innovation and constructive disruption.

John Kotzas AM is a dynamic leader whose 40-year career has reshaped Australia’s cultural, civic, and economic spheres through visionary leadership and inclusive engagement. Renowned for blending strategic insight with social impact, he has driven transformative initiatives across arts, education, and community development, establishing global benchmarks and fostering powerful symbiotic connections.  

As Chief Executive of Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) since 2008, Kotzas doubled audiences to 1.2 million, generated $1.27 billion in ticket sales, and secured $175 million for a new theatre, keeping QPAC resilient through COVID. He founded the Brisbane festival, turning it into a world-class event, and pioneered the Out of the Box Festival for children. In 1995, his leadership of Australia Remembers united communities for national commemoration. His diverse programming, from global icons to local talent, champions inclusivity.  

An educator, mentor, and a Vice President of Live Performance Australia, Kotzas forges global partnerships with a “think local, go global” approach, preparing Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics. Honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia, and honorary doctorates, he remains grounded, driven by lifelong learning. Kotzas’ legacy of innovation and resilience continues to shape Queensland as a thriving cultural and civic hub.