Interim CEO appointed to lead new Games Authority

• Emma Thomas has been appointed as the Interim CEO for the new independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, beginning July 1
• Ms Thomas has extensive experience, most recently as the CEO of Sunshine Coast Council
• Previous senior government roles in ACT, Queensland, and South Australia
• Executive experience as a Vice President and General Manager at Boeing, after working as an engineering office in the Royal Australian Air Force
• Authority will deliver the new and upgraded venues that will be used during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond, and the legacy program
• Advertisement for up to seven independent directors will soon commence – directors will be selected by CEOs of the nine Games Delivery Partners
• Board will then appoint a permanent CEO
• Authority to continue building on extensive work already undertaken by the Miles Government to deliver venues and prepare for the Games

Premier Steven Miles and State Development and Infrastructure Minister have today announced the appointment of Emma Thomas as the Interim CEO for the new independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.

Ms Thomas will bring decades of experience to the role, after working in senior positions at Boeing, the governments of South Australia, Queensland, and the ACT, and most recently as CEO of Sunshine Coast Council.

She has also served as a non-executive director for Aviation Australia and participated on the Minister’s Defence Advisory Council for Queensland.

Ms. Thomas had previously accepted a role to become the new CEO of Seqwater. Before taking up this role, Ms. Thomas will first serve as the Interim CEO of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority until a permanent CEO is appointed. Seqwater has an Acting CEO and interim arrangements in place.

Queensland Parliament last week passed the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Amendment Bill 2024, establishing an independent Games delivery authority, delivering on a promise Steven Miles made when he became Premier. It will deliver new and upgraded venues which will be used during the Games and provide significant community benefit right across Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“One of the first things I announced I would do as Premier was to create an independent delivery authority for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We passed that legislation last week, and today I am delighted to announce that Cabinet has endorsed Emma Thomas to become the interim CEO of the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.

“Emma has a range of relevant experience, including as the Director General of the transport department in the ACT where she delivered light rail in Canberra, and of course as the CEO of Sunshine Coast Council - one of the Games Delivery Partners – where I’ve seen firsthand the excellent work she has done.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“It’s clear that the Miles Government is getting on with the job when it comes to the 2032 Games.

“We’ve got half a billion of contracts in the market already, supporting 1,000 jobs. We’ve launched Q2032, our procurement strategy to support Queensland businesses, we’re investing $100 million in our Go for Gold program at schools, and we’ve launched You for 2032 – Australia’s largest every athlete talent program.

“We’ve established the independent delivery authority, just like we said we would. And today we’ve appointed Emma Thomas as the interim CEO who brings a range of impressive experience to this important role.

“Advertisement for up to seven independent board directors will soon commence, to be selected by CEOs of the nine Games Delivery Partners.

“The board will then appoint a permanent CEO.”

Quotes attributable to Emma Thomas:

“I love Queensland, and it’s a great honour to help establish this new independent authority.

“We want to make sure we can bring about the incredible benefits the Games offer, and continue with the delivery of the venues we have already announced.

“I look forward to speaking to our very many stakeholders right across the state – and the nation - when I start on July 1.”

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211