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Former SXSW Sydney Head Simon Cahill Announces Departure From TEG

Tyler Jenke

"I’m eternally proud of what the team and our partners were able to build together," Cahill said of his time with TEG and SXSW Sydney.

Simon Cahill
Simon Cahill(Credit: Supplied)

Simon Cahill has announced that his time at TEG has come to an end, sharing the news with his followers via LinkedIn on Monday, February 23rd.

“After an incredible three years helping establish SXSW Sydney, my chapter with Ticketek Entertainment Group has now come to a close,” Cahill wrote.

“Helping bring SXSW to Sydney and build it into a truly global-facing platform has been one of the most exciting and demanding experiences of my career. From day one, the ambition was bold: to create something that genuinely connected creativity, technology, business and culture across the region. I’m eternally proud of what the team and our partners were able to build together.”

A 25-year veteran of the industry, Cahill’s journey began with BMG back in 2001, before later joining Sony as the head of their Red Label imprint and Senior Manager of A&R. A stint as Director of the Recordings arm of Sony's Onelove Music Group JV eventually gave way to almost nine years with Warner Music Group, before joining SXSW Sydney as their Head of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships in 2023.

This role with the launch of SXSW Sydney saw Cahill join TED in early 2024 as their Head Of Commercial, eventually expanding his title to include co-Managing Director of SXSW Sydney alongside Jono Whyman.

Just last month, however, it was reported that TEG had called time on SXSW's brief foray into Australia, citing a “changing global environment” that is impacting major events worldwide, including music festivals and cultural programs.

The Australian Financial Review later reported that, following a review into the event, the government’s Destination NSW tourism agency, which signed a $12 million agreement in 2022 to host SXSW for five years from 2023 to 2027, had pulled funding for additional events.

“I want to sincerely thank Colin Daniels for bringing me to TEG and SXSW, and both Geoff Jones and Brad Banducci for their support and leadership during my time at TEG,” Cahill continued in his post.

“I’m also deeply grateful to the SXSW Sydney team, our government partners, and the many founders, artists, creators and brands who leaned in and helped shape what the event became.

“More broadly, I feel fortunate to have spent my career at the intersection of culture and commercial impact — from driving innovation and audience growth within the music industry, to building large-scale partnerships and commercial platforms at TEG, and most recently helping launch a global brand here in Sydney.”

Looking to the future, Cahill noted that he was “energised by what’s next,” adding that those who will thrive in the coming era are those who can “authentically connect creativity, audiences, technology and commercial outcomes at scale.”

“That’s what excites me,” he added.