Australian Music Trade Body, QMusic, has Named Kristy Ellis CEO

QMusic, the music trade body based in Queensland, Australia, has appointed Kristy Ellis as its new CEO. The recruiting process for this top job spanned all of Australia, but Ellis landed the role after serving as interim CEO since April.

Background:

• QMusic is a not-for-profit "music industry development association" that oversees the BIGSOUND summit and the Queensland Music Awards (QMAs).

• Ellis holds diverse entertainment experience, having worked with AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds), TEDxBrisbane, and she was on the board of the Ballet Theatre Queensland.

• Kris Stewart left the CEO position back in April after five years in the job.

• Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, will host the Olympics in 2032, representing a significant opportunity for the local music scene to reach a global audience.

What they said:

• Ellis: “It is a privilege to lead QMusic permanently at such a dynamic time for Queensland music. Over the past several months, working alongside our team, members, and key stakeholders, it has become even clearer how much talent and opportunity exist across our state’s music ecosystem. My commitment is to deliver both operational continuity and fresh 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.”

• QMusic Chair Jake Challenor: “Kristy has demonstrated exceptional operational focus, fresh thinking, and strong commercial momentum during her time as interim CEO. She balances deep respect for Queensland’s music sector with the commercial discipline required to build sustainable careers and business pathways for our local industry. The board has total confidence in her leadership as QMusic enters its next chapter of growth with ambition and focus.”