RICHARD EVANS
Chief Executive
Appointed in January 2008 – member of Building Committee and Conservation Council
Background: Richard began his career working 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 the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle and later moving on to take up the position of General Manager of the 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 to 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.
Other Directorships: Performing Arts and Arts Management Advisory Committee of the AsiaLink Arts Program (Chair).
DAVID ANTAW
Chief Operating Officer
Appointed in October 2006 – member of Building CommitteeRole: David is responsible for people and culture, planning and governance, theatre and events and tourism.
Qualifications: B.BUS, M.COM, FCP
Background: 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.
JONATHAN BIELSKI
Executive Producer, SOH Presents
Commenced in role October 2010 Role: Jonathan is responsible for the planning and execution of Sydney Opera House’s own programming and producing.
Background: Jonathan has been with Sydney Opera House since 2002 in various programming and administration roles with a particular focus on commercial producing, culminating in appointment as Programming Operations Manager in 2008, overseeing the SOH Presents producers and production budgets before being appointed Executive Producer. Prior to joining Sydney Opera House, Jonathan was the Group Operations Manager for The Edge in Auckland for four years and before that with Village Force working at venues including the St James Theatre. He is a member of the Australian and Asia-Pacific Arts Centres Programming Groups, the Venue Managers Association and a past member of the Helpmann Awards Theatre Nominating Panel.
VICTORIA DOIDGE
Director, Marketing, Communications and Customer Services
Appointed in February 2008Role: Victoria's portfolio includes customer service, digital, marketing, communications and ticketing services.
Qualifications: B.BUS, MKTG
Background: 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 presenting partner 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 Australian Securities Exchange in 1999. Victoria has also held marketing and sales roles for OzEmail, Radio 2SM and News Limited.
Other Directorships: Australian Marketing Institute (Senior Member).
GREG MCTAGGART
Director, Building Development and Maintenance
Appointed in April 2008 – member of Building Committee and Conservation CouncilRole: Greg is responsible for maintenance and conservation of the building, major building projects and emergency planning and response.
Qualifications: BE(Hons 1), MEngSc, Grad Dip Mgt, MIEAust, CPEng
Background: Greg joined Sydney Opera House in 2003 and 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 35 years. He has worked on a diverse range of projects including schools and hospitals, water supply and sewerage infrastructure, grain handling facilities and the major sporting venues of ANZ Stadium, Sydney Athletic & Aquatic Centres and the Regatta Centre at Penrith Lakes. Greg was also involved in the planning, construction and operational activities associated with the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
JULIA PUCCI
Director, Venue Partners and Safety
Commenced in role October 2010
Role: Julia is responsible for commercial partnerships, legal, resident contractor companies and the health centre.
Qualifications: BA, LLB, MArtAdmin
Background: Julia joined Sydney Opera House in 2004 as General Counsel after completing a Masters of Art Administration. Prior to joining Sydney Opera House, she worked for 12 years as a commercial lawyer for both a publically listed company and in private practice in Sydney, London and New York, working on a wide range of commercial transactions. Julia has previously served on the board of Accessible Arts.
Other Directorships: Rinse Out Inc (Board Member).
CLAIRE SPENCER
Chief Financial Officer
Commenced in role October 2010
Role: Claire is responsible for financial services, information systems, payroll and procurement.
Qualifications: BA Hons (Cantab), ACA (ICAEW)
Background: Claire joined Sydney Opera House in January 2003. During her 8 years at the Sydney Opera House Claire has undertaken a number of project management roles from the Opera Theatre Renewal Business Case preparation to the selection and implementation of Tessitura in 2005. As Chief Information Officer (2006-2008) Claire directed the stabilisation of all core systems and a refresh of critical system and network infrastructure and the relaunch of sydneyoperahouse.com as an e-commerce focused website in 2007. As Financial Controller, Claire directed the move to a three day month end close, a refreshed suite of management reports and an improved focus in planning and forecasting. Previously Claire has worked at Ernst and Young (London) and Cable and Wireless (London and Sydney).
Other Directorships: Tessitura Network Board (Member)