Muhammad Ibadurrohman
BRISBANE, Australia – Kris Stewart, the influential Chief Executive Officer of QMusic, the peak body for Queensland’s contemporary music industry, is stepping down from his role after a dynamic five-year period marked by significant growth, strategic advocacy, and a profound commitment to the state’s vibrant music scene. His departure, announced earlier this week, initiates a comprehensive search for a new leader to steer the organization through its next pivotal chapter, especially as Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Stewart assumed the helm of QMusic in June 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his preceding eight years as Artistic Director at the renowned Brisbane Powerhouse. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of the critically acclaimed BIGSOUND music festival and conference, an annual cornerstone event for the Australian music industry, and the prestigious Queensland Music Awards (QMAs). His leadership has been widely credited with positioning QMusic as a formidable advocate for artists and industry professionals at both state and federal levels.
A Legacy of Strategic Growth and Amplified Advocacy
Under Stewart’s guidance, QMusic experienced a period of remarkable expansion. The organization’s total revenue more than doubled, a testament to bolstered operational efficiency and successful strategic initiatives. This financial fortification was paralleled by a significant broadening of partnerships across government and various industry sectors, cementing QMusic’s position as a central player in the Australian music ecosystem. These expanded collaborations were crucial in diversifying funding streams and amplifying the reach of QMusic’s programs and initiatives.
Beyond financial metrics, Stewart’s most impactful contributions often lay in his tireless advocacy. He played a pivotal role in representing the interests of the Queensland music community on national platforms, including contributing significantly to the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into live music. This inquiry was a critical forum for addressing the systemic challenges facing Australia’s live music sector, from licensing complexities to venue viability. Stewart’s insights and leadership helped to shape policy discussions and highlight the urgent need for support and recognition for an industry grappling with numerous pressures.
Closer to home, Stewart was instrumental in establishing the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry, a bipartisan group designed to foster direct engagement between policymakers and music industry stakeholders. This initiative, which most recently convened just last week, has provided a crucial platform for ongoing dialogue, ensuring that the voice of the music industry is heard directly within the halls of state parliament. Such direct access is invaluable for translating industry needs into actionable policy.
Furthermore, his leadership supported the creation of the Night-Life Economy Commission, a groundbreaking initiative led by Queensland’s first Night-Life Economy Commissioner, John “JC” Collins, the esteemed bass player for Powderfinger and a prominent venue operator. This commission is tasked with fostering a thriving, safe, and sustainable night-time economy, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between live music, cultural vibrancy, and economic prosperity. Stewart’s involvement underscored his commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by venues and artists operating within this vital sector.
A Reflective Departure and Organisational Evolution
In a statement issued earlier in the week, Stewart conveyed his decision to step down, noting it was "the right time to move on to a new challenge and for QMusic to introduce new leadership." He reflected on his tenure with immense pride, stating, "The past five years have been some of the most exciting of my career, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the chance to work with my peers in the music industry and the team here at QMusic. While sad that I’m finishing, I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved and leave knowing the organization has never been stronger." His sentiments were echoed in a separate message on LinkedIn, where he described his time at QMusic as "some of the most enjoyable years of my career" and hinted at "a few irons in the fire" for his next professional endeavor.
Jake Challenor, Chair of QMusic, lauded Stewart’s "significant growth" achievements, particularly highlighting the doubling of total revenue and the expansion of key partnerships. Challenor further elaborated that the QMusic board and Stewart reached a mutual agreement regarding the timing of this leadership transition, aligning it with a significant organizational shift. QMusic is currently in the final stages of transitioning to a member-voted Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), a process registered with ASIC. This structural evolution is designed to strengthen governance, enhance operational flexibility, and align the organization’s practices with best standards, ultimately better serving Queensland artists and the broader industry.
"With the organization in a position of strength," commented Challenor, "now is the right time to hand over to a new leader to guide QMusic through its next chapter. As QMusic transitions to a CLBG, this marks an important step in the organization’s evolution – strengthening governance, improving flexibility, and aligning operations with best practice in service of Queensland artists and the industry." He concluded by expressing gratitude for Stewart’s contributions: "QMusic is financially stable, well-supported by its funding partners, and backed by an experienced and passionate team. We thank Kris for his contribution and leadership, and wish him every success in what comes next."
The Queensland Music Awards: A New Horizon
Stewart’s departure precedes the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, an event that this year marks a historic milestone by moving from its traditional home in Brisbane for the very first time. The QMAs are scheduled to be presented on April 22 on the Gold Coast, symbolizing a broader geographical reach and a celebration of musical talent across the entire state. This relocation not only underscores the growing dynamism of regional music scenes but also aligns with QMusic’s commitment to inclusivity and statewide engagement. The Gold Coast, known for its vibrant tourism and emerging cultural landscape, provides a fresh backdrop for recognizing the outstanding achievements of Queensland’s musicians.
The QMAs, under Stewart’s leadership, have consistently grown in prominence, becoming a vital platform for showcasing emerging talent and honoring established artists. The event’s move is indicative of a strategic vision to decentralize cultural events and foster a more connected and equitable music industry across Queensland.
Brisbane 2032: An Olympic Opportunity and Grassroots Imperative
The contemporary music community in Queensland, along with its representative body QMusic, finds itself at a unique juncture, poised on the precipice of a golden opportunity. Brisbane is set to host the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, an event that promises to cast an unprecedented global spotlight on the state. This monumental occasion brings with it the potential for significant infrastructure upgrades, including new venues and enhanced transport networks, which could fundamentally reshape Queensland’s cultural landscape. The billions of dollars expected to be invested in preparation for the Games could yield lasting benefits for the arts and entertainment sectors, provided strategic planning ensures their inclusion.
However, Stewart has been a vocal proponent that such grand-scale projects must not overshadow the critical needs of the grassroots music scene. In an impassioned speech delivered last week at Queensland’s Parliament House, he drew attention to the troubling closure of two important music venues on the Sunshine Coast. These closures serve as a stark reminder that while major events offer immense potential, the foundational elements of the music industry—the small, independent venues—are facing existential threats.
"What we need to recognize is success is not about a race to the top. The pyramid of the music industry can’t be built with massive success of a few people at the top, and a battle for everyone who is the foundation of our industry," Stewart asserted on the night. He emphasized that "A healthy industry is held up by the foundations. It’s held up by our grassroots." This perspective highlights a crucial dichotomy: the allure of mega-events versus the enduring struggle of local venues, which are essential incubators for talent and community hubs. The challenge for QMusic and its new CEO will be to effectively leverage the 2032 Games to benefit the entire industry spectrum, from global superstars to local pub bands. This involves advocating for policies that protect existing venues, encourage the creation of new spaces, and ensure that the economic benefits of the Olympics trickle down to all levels of the music ecosystem.
The Search for a New Visionary Leader
The search for QMusic’s next CEO has officially commenced. The incoming leader will inherit an organization that is financially robust, strategically focused, and on the cusp of a significant governance transition. They will be tasked with building upon Stewart’s legacy, particularly in advocating for the industry during a period of unprecedented opportunity with the 2032 Olympics, while simultaneously addressing the persistent challenges faced by grassroots venues and emerging artists.
The ideal candidate will likely possess a strong understanding of the contemporary music landscape, proven leadership capabilities in non-profit or cultural organizations, and a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with government, industry, and the artistic community. They will need to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry, champion diversity and inclusivity, and foster innovation within Queensland’s music sector. The transition to a CLBG structure will also require a leader adept at upholding robust governance standards and ensuring transparency and accountability to QMusic’s membership.
This leadership change comes at a critical time for the Australian music industry as a whole, which continues to grapple with the long-term impacts of the pandemic, rising operational costs, and evolving consumption patterns. QMusic, under its new leadership, will play a vital role in shaping how Queensland’s music community adapts to these challenges and capitalizes on future opportunities, ensuring that the state remains a vibrant and influential force in the national and international music scene. The appointment of Stewart’s successor will undoubtedly be a closely watched development, signaling the direction QMusic intends to take in an era of both immense promise and significant challenges.
