RICHARD EVANS, Chief Executive
Richard Evans was appointed CEO of Sydney Opera House in January 2008. Born in New Zealand, he studied English and Italian at the University of Auckland, where, in his final years of study, he began 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 Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle, ultimately becoming the company’s General Manager before taking on the same role with DeckChair Theatre Company, also in Fremantle. He moved to Adelaide in 1995 to join the State Theatre Company of South Australia as Associate Producer. It was in Adelaide, where he met his wife with whom he has one daughter.
In 1997, Mr Evans moved to Sydney, where he took on the role of General Manager of Bell Shakespeare Company and was largely credited with more than doubling that company’s turnover during his five years at the helm. The Australian Ballet sought him out to take on the role of General Manager in 2002, and in 2004 he was appointed Executive Director - a role he held until joining Sydney Opera House. During his time at The Australian Ballet, he was credited with lifting the profile of the company internationally and increasing the revenue stream from philanthropy. Mr Evans was Secretary of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group during 2000 and 2001 and served on the Executive Council of the Australian Entertainment Industry Association from 2002 to 2005. He was also Chairman of the board of Lucy Guerin Inc from 2006 to 2007.
DAVID ANTAW, B.Bus, M.Com, FCPA
Appointed to Sydney Opera House in October 2007 as Director, Finance and Systems and is responsible for finance, commercial operations, legal, business services, information technology, corporate planning and governance functions. 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.
RICK BROWNING
Appointed as Director, People & Culture in August 2007, Rick is responsible for human resources, learning and development, occupational health and injury management. Rick has over 30 years of experience in human resource management and general management, with extensive experience in service industries including hospitality, retail and banking. Growing up in Tasmania, Rick was heavily involved in the performing arts through stage management and performance at the Theatre Royal and Hobart's Playhouse. In recent times, Rick has maintained an active interest in the arts and event management through the Sydney Olympics, and administration and concert management of one of Sydney's largest choirs.
VICTORIA DOIDGE, B. BUS, MKTG
Appointed as Director Marketing and Development in February 2008, Victoria’s portfolio includes marketing, ticketing, philanthropy, corporate partnerships and public relations. 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 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 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 a Director of Griffin Theatre.
RACHEL HEALY, BA
Appointed as Director Performing Arts in August 2006, is the former General Manager of Company B at Belvoir Street Theatre. A graduate of the University of Adelaide, Rachel has been working in the performing arts for eighteen 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) and 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 and in 2002 Rachel was awarded a fellowship from the Harvard Club of Australia to participate in a study course in management of not-for-profit companies at Harvard Business School.
GREG McTAGGART, BE(Hons 1), MEngSc, Grad Dip Mgt, MIEAust, CPEng
Greg McTaggart was appointed as the Director of Building Development and Maintenance in 2008. He joined Sydney Opera House in 2003 and was previously the Project Director of the Building Development Group. Since 2003 Greg has had responsibility for the planning and delivery of all major building projects at Sydney Opera House, including the Utzon Room, Western Colonnade, Western Foyers, external Lighting and the Opera Theatre Renewal Concept Design Study. In his role as Director of Building Development and Maintenance he has responsibility for the maintenance and conservation of the building, as well as continuing to manage major building projects. Greg’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering with 1st Class Honours, Master of Engineering Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Greg has been involved in the delivery of public infrastructure and building projects for over thirty years. He has worked on a diverse range of projects including schools and hospitals, water supply and sewerage infrastructure, grain handling facilities and major sporting venues including ANZ Stadium, Sydney Athletic & Aquatic Centres and the Regatta Centre at Penrith Lakes. Greg was heavily 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 Director of Tourism & Visitor Operations in June 2005. Maria is responsible for tourism and customer relations, as well as managing Heritage projects. Maria has held various positions in the private and public sector, including policy roles in international affairs agencies in the UK. Maria moved to Sydney in 1995, and before joining Sydney Opera House held various policy roles in the NSW Cabinet Office, including economic development, arts and tourism policy, before heading up the Cabinet Secretariat to oversee the management of the Government legislative program. Maria was a French Announcer for the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. Maria is a member of the Conservation Council.