United in diversity, our leaders hail from varied sectors—Events, Finance, the Visitor Economy, People, Tourism, and Arts & Culture. Each brings a wealth of expertise, driving innovation and fostering collaborations that resonate through the City of Gold Coast. Guided by a shared vision, they work seamlessly across disciplines to enrich our community and enhance our city's allure
John Warn
John is a senior tourism executive with a wealth of experience in hospitality, major events, sport, retail, and the arts. His passion for his home city remains at the core of his drive to bring fresh, bold ideas forward and inspire a dynamic future for the Gold Coast.
John Warn
CEO
Geoff Hill
Geoff has 20 years of CFO and board level experience, working as a Business Partner to various MDs across commercial and not-for-profit businesses. More recently he built new systems and processes as CFO at HOTA, Home of the Arts
Geoff Hill
Chief Finance Officer
Amy Watts
Amy has been a senior HR executive for more than a decade holding roles at Accor, Marriott, and the Westin. She holds a diploma in HR and an Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management. Amy has also graduated from the AICD Company Director’s Course.
Amy Watts
Head of People & Culture
Rachel Hancock
Rachel has an outstanding track record, having transitioned from Editor at the Gold Coast Bulletin to a strategic role at Destination Gold Coast two years ago. She is a versatile leader with over 17 years’ experience in management roles across Australian media.
Rachel Hancock
Head of Visitor Economy & Corporate Affairs
Avril Harris
Avril has held leadership roles in the events industry for close to 15 years, leading multiple teams and projects across numerous Queensland Government agencies. She holds a Bachelor of Communication with post-graduate studies in both business and project management, as well as crowd science.
Avril Harris
Executive Director, Events
Brant Hirst
Brant has held several senior roles in Australia and globally, most notably Nike where he was VP/GM, Shanghai and Beijing and Olympics Lead for Nike China. He was most recently CCO for South East Asia’s largest sports licensing and brand management business, Nick Auditore Represents (Fanatics).
Brant Hirst
Head of Marketing
Yarmila Alfonzetti
Yarmila is one of Australia’s leading arts professionals with an extensive arts and culture pedigree. She has previously held senior roles with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, State Opera South Australia, Sydney Opera House and the Perth International Arts Festival. Yarmila commences 1 July.
Yarmila Alfonzetti
Head of Arts & Culture
Jennine Tax
Jennine is a seasoned executive well versed in strategic planning, business improvement, project management and stakeholder engagement. In addition to 10 years working at KPMG in the Management Consulting Division, Jennine has held senior roles at HSBC and ABN AMRO banks.
Jennine Tax
Executive Director, Education
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.