Our Leadership Team

John has over 25 years’ experience in executive and non-executive roles across hospitality, major events, sport, tourism, retail and the arts. Prior to his appointment as Experience Gold Coast’s Chief Executive Officer, he held senior roles with global hotel chain Accor and Westfield. John’s extensive non-executive career includes currently Chairing the Stadiums Qld Board and previously based in NSW where he chaired both Cricket NSW and Destination NSW.

Geoff has more than 20 years CFO and board level experience, as a Business Partner to various MDs across commercial and not-for-profit businesses. Prior to his appointment as Experience Gold Coast’s CFO, Geoff was CFO for HOTA, Home of the Arts. Geoff’s focus is on delivering efficient and dynamic models across EGC’s finance, IT and payroll systems that allow the business to operate at its optimum performance.

Amy is a senior HR executive who has held roles at Accor, Marriott, and Starwood. With over 25 years’ experience in tourism and hospitality, she brings strong expertise in all HR disciplines, excels in partnering with executive leadership to elevate HR as a strategic asset and is deeply committed to service and process improvement for an enhanced experience.

Rachel has an outstanding career track record, having worked in various senior roles at News Corp Australia, including Editor at the Gold Coast Bulletin before transitioning to a strategic role at Destination Gold Coast three years ago. She is a versatile leader with over 17 years’ experience in management roles across Australian media. Rachel is passionate about the Gold Coast and driving its visitor economy and reputation across local, national and international markets.

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.

Clare is a senior commercial leader with over 25 years’ experience driving revenue strategy, digital transformation, and enterprise growth. She has held executive roles at News Corp Australia, co-founded two ventures in sport and AI, and is recognised for building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable growth across complex portfolios.

Matt is a dynamic and collaborative executive leader with over 25 years of senior management experience, including more than a decade in the education sector. Passionate about connecting learning with opportunity, he has led commercially focused, data-driven strategies across domestic and international markets, bringing deep expertise in student behaviour, market development, and acquisition strategy. His work reflects a strong belief in the power of education to shape futures and strengthen communities.
 
As Executive Director, Education at Experience Gold Coast, Matt leads initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes and long-term regional value. Skilled in uniting cross-functional teams, driving digital transformation, and developing high-impact value propositions, he fosters innovation and collaboration across the city’s education ecosystem. Committed to advancing Experience Gold Coast’s vision for a vibrant, connected, and future-focused city, Matt champions an environment where students from around the world come to learn, belong, and thrive.

Mel is an executive leader with experience spanning tourism, hospitality, entertainment, sport and corporate services across Australia, South-East Asia and the Middle East. She has held senior leadership roles with organisations including Retail Food Group and The Star Gold Coast, leading transformation, operational improvement and strategic growth initiatives. With a background in law as a practising barrister, Mel brings a unique combination of commercial acumen, governance expertise and stakeholder engagement skills. Her career has focused on bringing diverse stakeholders together, influencing outcomes in complex environments and leading organisational change that delivers practical and sustainable results for organisations, industry and community.