After almost five years in the top job, QMusic CEO Kris Stewart has announced he is stepping down as the head of the organisation.
In a statement released to the media today, QMusic Chair, Jake Challenor, announced that Stewart had advised the Board of his decision to step down from his role, with both Stewart and the Board agreeing it was the "right time for a leadership transition”.
This leadership change coincides with QMusic’s recent announcement that they would be moving to a member-voted Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), registered with ASIC – a process that is ongoing and close to finalisation.
“Over the past five years, Kris has played a central role in transforming QMusic into a stronger, more sustainable and more influential organisation,” Challenor said in a statement. “With the organisation in a position of strength, now is the right time to hand over to a new leader to guide QMusic through its next chapter.
“As QMusic transitions to a CLBG, this marks an important step in the organisation’s evolution – strengthening governance, improving flexibility, and aligning operations with best practice in service of Queensland artists and the industry.”
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QMusic also outlined Stewart's contributions to the organisation, noting that total revenue had more than doubled during his tenure, partnerships across government and industry has expanded, while BIGSOUND had continued to evolve as a globally recognised event.
Additionally, Stewart contributed to QMusic’s advocacy on a state and federal level, including contributing to the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into live music, establishing the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry, and supporting the creation of the Night-Life Economy Commission, while also strengthening its commitment to First Nations programming, expanding its regional footprint, and more.
“QMusic is financially stable, well-supported by its funding partners, and backed by an experienced and passionate team,” Challenor continued. “We thank Kris for his contribution and leadership and wish him every success in what comes next.”
In his own statement, Stewart noted he felt the time was right to embark upon the next challenge in his career, and for QMusic to introduce new leadership.
“The past five years have been some of the most exciting of my career, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the chance to work with my peers in the music industry and the team here at QMusic,” Stewart said.
“While sad that I'm finishing, I'm proud of everything I've achieved and leave knowing the organisation has never been stronger.”
Stewart has spent decades in the creative world both in Australia and internationally, having served as Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse and was instrumental in the founding of events such as the New York Musical Theatre Festival, The Sydney Fringe Festival, Tasmania’s Festival of Voices, and others.
Stewart’s time at the Brisbane Powerhouse resulted in the creation of the Wonderland Festival, IRL Digital Festival Queensland Cabaret Festival, and MELT Queer Culture Festival, and saw him heading up a number of events, including the Brisbane Comedy Festival, the Australian Performing Arts Market, and the World Theatre Festival.
Additionally, Stewart has also served as a Board member for a number of organisations, including Stage Queensland, Toowoomba's Empire Theatre, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music,, and Performing Arts Connections Australia.
Stewart first took on the role of CEO at QMusic in 2021, taking over from Angela Samut, who spent two years in the role after Joel Edmondson departed from the position in 2019.
Challenor also explained that the QMusic Board would now begin the process of appointing Stewart’s successor as CEO, while also “ensuring continuity across the organisation’s major programs and operations.”
“QMusic has a clear strategy, strong momentum, and an important role to play in supporting Queensland’s music industry,” Challenor said. “We are focused on maintaining that momentum as we move forward.”
