QMusic Appoints Kristy Ellis as Permanent CEO

Queensland music industry body QMusic has appointed Kristy Ellis as its permanent Chief Executive Officer following a national executive search. 

Ellis has served as QMusic's Interim CEO since April, and will now take on the role permanently as the organisation continues to deliver industry programs and events including Industry Connect, Concert Care, BIGSOUND and the Queensland Music Awards.

The appointment follows a recruitment process led by u&u Recruitment Partners, which began in May and was designed to identify a long-term leader for Queensland's contemporary music sector.

According to QMusic, Ellis was selected following a competitive process, with the organisation citing her strategic, commercial and operational performance during her interim tenure.

Ellis brings more than two decades of experience across the creative industries, sport, major events and commercial management. Her previous roles include positions with the AFC Women's Asian Cup, Queensland Rugby Union and TEDxBrisbane, while she has also served as a board member of Ballet Theatre Queensland.

QMusic Chair Jake Challenor said Ellis had brought “exceptional operational focus, fresh thinking, and strong commercial momentum” to the organisation during her time as Interim CEO.

“She balances deep respect for Queensland's music sector with the commercial discipline required to build sustainable career and business pathways for our local industry,” Challenor said. 

“The Board has total confidence in her leadership as QMusic enters its next chapter of growth with ambition and focus.”

For Ellis, the permanent appointment comes at what she described as a “dynamic time for Queensland music,” with a focus on maintaining operational continuity while building QMusic's strategic momentum.

“I look forward to working closely with the Board, government partners, and industry stakeholders to ensure QMusic continues to advocate fiercely for artists, venues, and music businesses while expanding our commercial and artistic impact nationally and internationally,” she said.