LPA CEO Evelyn Richardson to Step Down

Evelyn Richardson, the long-standing CEO of Live Performance Australia, will depart from the trade body at year’s end.

The development marks the end of an era for the trade body, led by New Zealand-born Richardson for close to two decades.

“It has been a privilege to serve as chief executive for what will be 18 years at the end of 2024,” comments Richardson in a statement issued Friday, June 7. “It has been an incredible journey through a time of tremendous change and challenge across our industry.”

The LPA advocates on behalf of its 400-plus members from across the live entertainment industries, publishes the annual Ticket Attendance and Revenue Report, organises the Helpmann Awards, and more.

Its members’ “resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit has been a strength and reflects the incredible people that make up our live arts and entertainment industry,” comments Richardson.

“I have been most fortunate to have received amazing support from LPA presidents Richard Evans AM and Andrew Kay AM before him. Their commitment, unwavering support and insights during my tenure have been critical as has that of the current LPA Management Committee, particularly Maria O’Connor and John Kotzas AM.”

Richardson was part of a delegation to Canberra during the pandemic, which secured a $250 million lifeline for music and the arts.

“I am pleased to leave LPA in a very strong position as an effective industry voice and leader,” she continues, “with a strong financial base and an amazing team in my wonderful staff who do all the hard work on behalf of members.”

Evans paid tribute to LPA’s outgoing boss. Under her stewardship, he explains, the peak body has become a “trusted and highly effective source of advice, guidance and leadership for our members across Australia’s live arts and entertainment industry.

Evans adds, “for so many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic delivered previously unimaginable challenges for our people and organisations. Evelyn’s leadership during this period ensured LPA continued to provide much-needed support for our Members and a strong voice to government on their needs during a tumultuous period while ensuring the organisation’s financial and operational sustainability.”

Richardson is a guest speaker at Variety’s inaugural Live Business Breakfast, set for next Thursday (June 13) in Sydney.

With the announcement of Richardson’s departure, LPA now commences an external search process for its next CEO.