Former Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director Announced As New QMusic CEO

QMusic has announced its new CEO appointment today. 

Former Brisbane Powerhouse artistic director Kris Stewart will take over the role from outgoing CEO Angela Samut who has spent two years in the role after taking over from Joel Edmondson in April 2019.

Stewart will begin the role on 14 June 2021. 

While working as Brisbane Powerhouse artistic director, Stewart oversaw 2500 productions with over 1 million tickets sold and a 91% increase in local artist programming. Prior to the role, Stewart was responsible for events like the New York Musical Theatre Festival, Sydney Fringe, MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture, Wonderland Festival and Curiocity Brisbane.  

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Brisbane Powerhouse but my background in festivals and major events means I’ve been hungry to get my hands dirty again and events such as BIGSOUND and the Queensland Music Awards take me back to what I love,” said Stewart.

“While QMusic is a new environment for me, its commitment to artist development, sector advocacy and supporting and promoting the incredible work that is made in Queensland feels like the perfect extension to what I’ve loved doing at Brisbane Powerhouse.”

“Ange and her team did an exceptional job shepherding BIGSOUND through the turbulence of COVID to provide an excellent and relevant online program,” said Stewart of his new appointment. 

“She leaves QMusic in such a strong and well-connected place and I’m coming into an organisation that’s secure and in one of the best positions it’s held.”

“During her tenure, Angela has delivered our signature events of BIGSOUND and the Queensland Music Awards at a world-class level and has advanced the interests of artists, venues and other stakeholders with skill and compassion,” said QMusic Management Committee President Natalie Strijland.

“We are excited to have Kris lead the team in bringing our signature events, grants and industry connect events to Queensland in 2021 and beyond. 

"With him comes deep commercial experience in live presentation and a lifelong commitment to artists and industry development."