Venue Management Association hires new CEO

Michael Brierley has been appointed CEO of the Australia-based Venue Management Association (VMA).

Brierley (pictured), who begins his new role today (2 January), was most recently secretary of the Queensland division of Commonwealth Games Australia, and has previously served in senior roles at the Institute of Sport Management and youth charity Apex Camps.

He succeeds Bluesfest’s Steve Romer as VMA chief executive.

Steve Harper, appointed president of the association last May, comments: “I am very much looking forward to having Michael on board. He brings with him well-rounded and extensive experience that will serve the organisation well.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such a well-respected organisation through the next phase of its growth”

“Michael’s key focus will be to provide strong organisational and financial leadership to the organisation, build on the VMA brand throughout the region, significantly grow the membership programme and deliver quality education and professional development product to the industry.”

“I am extremely delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such a well-respected organisation through the next phase of its growth,” adds Brierley.

“I am looking forward to working with the dedicated board and committees of the VMA, and wider stakeholder group across the Asia-Pacific region, to continue to build on the 30-plus years of valued contribution to the venue management industry.”

VMA is a trade association for venue managers in the Asia-Pacific region. Together with the affiliated International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), it has more than 5,000 members, including representatives of AEG Ogden, Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Venues Wellington, Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Adelaide Festival Centre.

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