Management Team

John O’Sullivan has been the Chief Executive Officer Events Queensland since February 2010.

As CEO of Queensland’s chief events organisation, John is responsible for securing and bidding on new major events which deliver an economic and community benefit to the state.

Since joining Events Queensland, John’s leadership has seen an expansion of Queensland’s dynamic and diverse events portfolio. His leadership has been instrumental in securing key sporting and cultural events including winning the Rugby Sevens bid for the Gold Coast and securing Ironman Cairns for Tropical North Queensland, as well as exclusive arts and cultural events such as Surrealism and the Cuban Ballet.

Prior to joining Events Queensland John was Chief Commercial Officer of Football Federation Australia from Jan 2004 – Jan 2010 where he was responsible for the growth of the game’s commercial revenues from $25 million per annum to $90 million per annum.

Prior to this, John was Head of Business Development at international television rights distribution firm Octagon CSI and worked for four years on the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games where he was Head of Paralympic Integration and Transition.

General Managers

The Events Queensland General Management Team work together to secure, develop and support major, regional and business events in Queensland.

Cameron oversees the delivery and presentation of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and Pan Pacific Masters Games, two of the Australia’s leading Sports Tourism events. During his time, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has doubled in size to become a benchmark participation event. Following nine years in the PR industry, Cameron worked on the Masters Games in 1991, the 1994 World Masters Games, 1996 Queensland Masters Games, inaugural Asia Pacific Masters Games in 1998 and was Event Manager for the 2000 and 2002 Asia Pacific Masters Games.

John is responsible for the financial management of Events Queensland including the financial evaluation of event proposals and risk assessment. John is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.  He has over 30 years’ experience in the commercial sector including the mining industry, health, infrastructure and construction, and sports management.

Responsible for working with existing and new Major Events in the Arts, Cultural and Lifestyle Portfolio, Kirsten has a background in Arts Commercialisation, Film and Television and Investment Promotion. Prior to joining EQ, Kirsten headed up the Investment Attraction team for the Queensland Government, and led the State’s efforts to attract international film and television production Queensland.

Megan and her team are responsible for Corporate Affairs including media and communications, stakeholder relations, research and event activation. Prior to Events Queensland, Megan worked across a number of senior media and government roles including nine years as a journalist in the Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney bureaus of The Australian newspaper, and six years in NSW and Queensland Government.

Richard and his team are responsible for the identification and development of events in the Sport Portfolio.  The team assess and evaluate event opportunities and work in partnership with national and international sporting organisations to establish Queensland as the preferred location to host events in Australia. He brings more than 10 years commercial experience with sports and entertainment companies including senior management roles with International Quarterback and Octagon.

In overseeing the Business Events portfolio, Sandra works with the Queensland industry in identifying, bidding and securing international business events for the State. Sandra also oversees the Events Queensland Regional Development Program - an initiative which invests in regional events which are seen to have the potential to drive visitors to their area and support local business.

Sandra Passaro has spent more than 25 years in tourism working in both the public and private sectors. She has a wealth of experience in business and leisure tourism, having worked for organisations such as Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism and Dreamworld.