RICHARD EVANS, Chief Executive
Appointed Chief Executive in January 2008, began work as a freelance promoter, publicist, stage and production manager eventually taking on the role of Executive Producer with the New Zealand Puppet Theatre. In 1993, Mr Evans moved to Australia, working with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle and later became General Manager of DeckChair Theatre Company. In 1995 he joined the State Theatre Company of South Australia as Associate Producer. Richard was General Manager of Bell Shakespeare Company from 1997 until 2002 when he became General Manager of The Australian Ballet and Executive Director in 2004. Richard was Secretary of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group during 2000-2001, served on the Executive Council of the Australian Entertainment Industry Association from 2002 to 2005, and was Chairman of the board of Lucy Guerin Inc from 2006 to 2007. Richard has chaired the Performing Arts and Arts Management Advisory Committee of the AsiaLink Arts Program since 2007 and he is a member of the Building Committte, Conservation Council and Philanthropy Committee.
DAVID ANTAW, B.Bus, M.Com, FCPA
Appointed in October 2006 is Director, Finance and Innovation and is responsible for finance, information systems, risk management, business services, strategic planning, legal, governance and trust secretariat , human resources, learning and development and injury management. David has substantial depth of public and private sector experience at a senior level. His previous role was General Manager Finance and Corporate Services at Energy Australia. David has also held various senior financial and business development roles with Pioneer International and Tubemakers of Australia and has significant mergers and acquisitions experience. He is a member of the Building Committee and Philanthropy Committee.
VICTORIA DOIDGE, B. BUS, MKTG
Appointed as Director Marketing and Development in February 2008. Victoria’s portfolio includes public relations, marketing, ticketing services, philanthropy and corporate partnerships. Prior to joining the Sydney Opera House Victoria most recently held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for leading global digital marketing services provider, BlueFreeway. Prior to her role at BlueFreeway, she held the position as Director Market Development for the Sydney Symphony, a resident company of Sydney Opera House. Victoria was a co-founder and director of Australia’s first online music destination, ChaosMusic, launched in 1998 and listed on the ASX in 1999. Victoria has also held marketing and sales roles for OzEmail, Radio 2SM and News Limited. Victoria is a senior member of the Australian Marketing Institute and is a member of the Philanthropy Committee.
RACHEL HEALY, BA
Appointed as Director Performing Arts in August 2006, Rachel is responsible for Sydney Opera House's programming, presenter and theatre services, including sound, audio visual, lighting and staging. Former General Manager of Company B at Belvoir Stree Theatre, Rachel has been working in the performing arts for 18 years as a manager and producer. Prior to her appointment at Belvoir St Theatre in 1997 Rachel worked with The Australian Ballet, Handspan Theatre in Melbourne and Magpie Theatre, the youth wing of the State Theatre Company of South Australia. Rachel has served on a number of arts boards, including Legs on the Wall, the Arts Industry Council (Victoria), Kage Physical Theatre, Live Performance Australia and she was Deputy Chair of the Theatre Board of the Australia Council. In 1998 she was awarded the inaugural Nugget Coombs Award for Arts Administration in the Young Manager category.
GREG McTAGGART, BE (Hons 1), MEngSc, Grad Dip Mgt, MIEAust, CPEng
Appointed to Sydney Opera House in 2003 and to the role of Director Building Development and Maintenance in April 2008. Greg is responsible for maintenance and conservation of the building, as well as major building projects. Greg was previously the Project Director of the Building Development Group responsible for the planning and delivery of all major building projects at Sydney Opera House. Greg has been involved in the delivery of public infrastructure and building projects for over 30 years working on a diverse range of projects including schools and hospitals, water suplly and sewerage infrastructure, grain handling facilities and major sporting venues. Greg was also involved in the planning, construction and operational activities associated with the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and received the 'Olympic Golden Rings' award from the International Olympic Committee for his contribution to the Games. Greg is a member of the Building Committee and the Conservation Council
MARIA SYKES, BA (Hons)
Appointed to Sydney Opera House in 2002, and to the role of Director Commercial and Operations in April 2008, Maria is accountable for the overall visitor experience on site, the development of a new Precinct Plan, all commercial revenues and frontline operations. Specifically she oversees all Sydney Opera House's commercial operations and business partnerships, including tourism, retail and food and beverage operations; Sydney Opera House brand licensing; customer relations, front of house, and emergency planning and response. Maria was the Sydney Opera House Trust's representative for the State, National and World Heritage projects including the development of the management and legislative frameworks to support the listings. Prior to joining Sydney Opera House, Maria held various policy advisor positions in international affairs and central government agencies in the UK and Australia before managing the NSW Government's legislative program as head of the Cabinet Secretariat. Maria was a French Announcer for the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. Maria is a member of the Conservation Council.