Corporate Ladder: Your guide to executive appointments in Queensland

Queensland’s executive appointments column tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors.

Oct 21, 2026, updated Oct 21, 2026
Here are the biggest executive appointments and departures from across Queensland in the past week
Here are the biggest executive appointments and departures from across Queensland in the past week

Council CEO appointment

Pauline Jacob

Balonne Shire Council has appointed Pauline Jacob as its new CEO after a comprehensive nationwide executive recruitment process that attracted 51 candidates.

Jacob brings more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership to the role, having worked across government, water, infrastructure, energy, natural resources and management.

Her most recent role was as Deputy Director-General of Fisheries and Forestry Queensland at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Jacob will commence her role as CEO on November 23 and undertake a handover period with existing interim CEO David Burges until November 27.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole welcomed the appointment of Pauline Jacob to her new role at the Balonne Shire Council.

“Jacob’s broad experience in engaging with community and key stakeholders will ensure our Council is working in a collaborative manner with the local community, businesses, tourism operators and community groups and sporting groups to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Jacob said she was excited to take on the role.

“I have been in the region on a number of occasions and was taken aback by the warm and welcoming nature of the local community and I am looking forward to getting around the Shire to meet with everyone in my capacity as CEO,” she said.

New Chair to lead aviation institute

Mark Xavier

The Queensland Government has appointed Mark Xavier as Aviation Australia’s new Chair.

Aviation Australia is a registered training organisation and the only Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved training organisation in Australia.

Xavier is currently managing director of Brisbane-based V-TOL Aerospace Pty Limited and Australian Unmanned Systems Academy Pty Limited, and an existing member of Aviation Australia’s board.

His background spans drone technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, including leading software and aeronautical engineering teams and delivering specialist aviation training.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said Xavier’s tech and training experience made him a valuable candidate for the role.

“Mark’s experience across aviation technology and specialist training will help Aviation Australia respond to the changing needs of employers,” Minister Bates said. 

Minister Bates also thanked outgoing chair Elsa Dalessio.

New board members for Queensland Ports

Kate Lamason

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The Queensland Government has announced eight new board appointments for Ports North, Gladstone Ports Corporation, North Queensland Bulk Ports and Port of Townsville.

The appointments include;

  • Ports North: Kate Lamason – Director
  • Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC): Fleur Anderson – Director
  • Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC): Alex Jarufe – Director
  • Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC): Candice Stower – Director
  • North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP): Emma Coburn – Director
  • North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP): Jeanine Drummond – Director
  • Port of Townsville: Sarah Bowrey – Director
  • Port of Townsville: John Hathaway – Director

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates welcomed the appointees and thanked the outgoing board members for their service.

“Strong leadership across our businesses is critical to diversify Queensland’s trade capabilities, strengthening our economy and supporting future growth,” Minister Bates said. 

She said the new appointments would help Queensland ports seize new opportunities that support economic growth.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg also welcomed the new board members.

“We look forward to working closely with our boards to ensure these important assets continue to serve Queenslanders well into the future,” Minister Mickelberg said.  

Olympic CEO steps down

Cindy Hook

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic CEO Cindy Hook announced earlier this month that she would step down from her position after four years in the role.

Despite previously indicating that she would lead the committee through to 2032, Hook announced in a statement last week that she would not be renewing her contract in December.

“The foundations for success have been well laid. This is the right time to hand over to a new CEO for the next phase,” she said in a statement.

Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said Hook has played a pivotal role in establishing the Committee.

“[She has made] an outstanding contribution to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games during her four years as inaugural CEO of the Organising Committee,” he said.

Read more about Hook’s departure here.

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