Corporate Ladder: Your guide to executive appointments in Queensland
Tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors. Tell us what’s happening at the top table at your business.
Master Builders appoints new CEO
Master Builders Queensland announced the appointment of Sue-Ann Fresneda as its new CEO, taking over from outgoing CEO Paul Bidwell.
Following 13 years with the organisation and four years as Deputy CEO, Fresneda said she was excited to step into the position at such a pivotal moment.
“I’m proud to take on the CEO role at such an important time for our industry. While we are facing some tough challenges, there’s also a real sense of opportunity ahead,” Fresneda said.
Fresneda joined Master Builders in 2013, where she has driven the commercial success of the association and supported the Board, Executive Leadership Team and members through industry changes.
Master Builders president Chris Taylor said that the Board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Fresneda as CEO.
“Her dedication to members, strong industry knowledge, and outstanding leadership skills made her the clear choice and we are confident Master Builders will continue to go from strength to strength with Sue-Ann as our new CEO,” Taylor said.
Fresneda will be supported by Michael Hopkins, who steps up from his role as executive manager to deputy CEO, both roles effective from Tuesday, May 5.
QMusic CEO steps down
QMusic CEO Kris Stewart has decided to step down from his position after five years in the role.
Stewart and the Board agreed it was the right time for a leadership transition, as QMusic moves to a member-voted Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), registered with ASIC, an ongoing process that is close to finalisation.
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QMusic chair Jake Challenor said Stewart had played a central role in transforming QMusic.
“As QMusic transitions to a CLBG, this marks an important step in the organisation’s evolution – strengthening governance, improving flexibility, and aligning operations with best practice in service of Queensland artists and the industry,” Challenor said.
During his tenure, Stewart oversaw significant growth across the organisation, saw revenue more than doubled, expanded partnerships across government and industry, and continued the evolution of BIGSOUND as a globally recognised event, a statement said.
Stewart said his time at QMusic, involved some of the most exciting years of his career.
“While sad that I’m finishing, I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved and leave knowing the organisation has never been stronger,” Stewart said.
The Board will now begin the process of appointing QMusic’s next CEO, while maintaining continuity across the organisation with clear strategies and strong momentum.
New Supreme Court judge appointment
Scott McLeod KC has been appointed as a new justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
McLeod brings more than 30 years of legal experience as a barrister, combining public and commercial law.
McLeod’s appointment follows the Crisafulli Government’s $2.4 million investment to fund two additional judges and support staff for the Supreme and District Courts.
Since 2018, McLeod has chaired the Bar Association of Queensland’s Administrative Law Committee and is renowned for his expertise in public and administrative law, specialising in judicial and merits reviews, statutory interpretation, and government and regulatory matters.
McLeod will take on the additional role of president of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal at the end of Justice Kerri Mellifont’s term on July 31.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Integrity Deb Frecklington welcomed McLeod’s appointment to the Supreme Court.
“Mr McLeod is a highly skilled and well-respected advocate whose extensive expertise in public, administrative, commercial and industrial law will make him a valuable addition to the court,” Frecklington said.
McLeod will be sworn in at a ceremony in the Supreme Court on April 13.
Far Northern assistant commissioner retires
Far Northern region assistant commissioner Brett Schafferius has announced his pre-retirement leave after a distinguished 42-year career with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Schafferius has served as assistant commissioner since 2018 and was sworn into the QPS in 1985.
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During his service, Schafferius oversaw major crime operations, disaster management responses and cultural changes, and leaves a legacy of strong leadership and community connections.
Schafferius said the highlight of his career was working with incredible people in the Far North.
“Looking back on my service, I am incredibly proud of the work done by officers and staff in this region, most of which goes unnoticed by the public,” Schafferius said.
“I am leaving the service proudly, with a smile on my face and confident that policing and community safety in the Far North is in safe hands.”
New non-executive director appointed in leading energy company
EcoJoule Energy, a leading Australian energy technology company, has announced the appointment of a former senior Ausgrid executive as a non-executive director.
Armstrong brings more than 35 years of board-level experience and strategic oversight, and has held similar roles with EnergyAustralia, Networks NSW and Ausgrid.
He will support EcoJoule’s governance, growth strategy and engagement with key stakeholders across the energy sector.
EcoJoule founder and CEO Dr Mike Wishart said the appointment would strengthen the company’s governance and strategic capability as it scales operations across Australian and international markets.
“As demand increases for technologies that help electricity networks manage the impacts of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, strong leadership and governance are critical to delivering on our strategy,” Wishart said.
Armstrong is currently on the board of the Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory and a partnership representative on ACEREZ.
Coast Entertainment Holdings announces new leadership team
Coast Entertainment Holdings Group CEO Greg Yong has announced the appointment of two senior executives to the company’s leadership team.
Samantha Saunders will step into the role of chief marketing officer, while Luke Ingles has been appointed chief strategy officer.
CEO Greg Yong said the appointment reflects the company’s ambition as it moves into its next phase of growth.
“Coast is in a genuinely exciting position,” Yong said.
“We’ve rebuilt the foundations – safety, culture, financial discipline and a capital program that’s delivering – and we’re now focused on accelerating what comes next.”
Saunders brings more than 20 years of executive experience in customer, brand and marketing leadership across Australian and international markets.
She will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing strategy, driving guest attendance and building long-term brand equity across the Coast Entertainment Portfolio.
She has previously held roles with The Strategy Canvas, KPMG Customer Brand and Marketing Advisory, Super Retail Group, QMP Pathology, Flight Centre and more.
Luke Ingles will lead strategy development and execution across the organisation with a focus on crystallising value.
He brings more than 20 years’ experience as a senior strategy and investment executive, operating at the CEO and board level across corporate groups, sovereign investment environments, private equity portfolios and large multinational organisations.
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