RNA MANAGEMENT

OUR MANAGEMENT

The RNA management team, led by the Chief Executive, is responsible for the day to day running of the organisation and the implementation of the Association's Strategic Plan.
Brendan Christou
Brendan Christou Chief Executive BBus QUT MBA Curtin CPA

Brendan Christou was appointed Chief Executive of the RNA in 2012, after serving as Deputy Chief Executive / Chief Operating Officer since 2009.

A Certified Practicing Accountant, Mr Christou started at the RNA in 2004 as the association's Financial Controller.

His previous experience spans across the retail, engineering and financial services industries.

He holds a Bachelor Business (Accountancy) from QUT and completed his Master of Business Administration from Curtin University in 2008.

Mr Christou is a former board member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and is also a Past President of The Committee for Brisbane.

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Andrew Moore
Andrew Moore Chief Financial Officer BCom UQ BEc UQ FCPA GAICD Comm Dec

Andrew Moore joined the RNA in early 2015 as Chief Financial Officer.

He is responsible for the association's financial management, procurement, tax and regulatory compliance, insurance, information technology and the commercial aspects of the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project.

As a senior executive with over 25 years' experience in financial and commercial management, business development, capital raising, treasury operations and corporate governance, Mr Moore brings a wealth of experience to the RNA.

His professional career spans publicly listed and private companies, the not-for-profit sector and government enterprises across a diverse range of industries including events, energy, mining, sport, hospitality and education.

Mr Moore is also an active member of the Queensland surf lifesaving community.

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Veronica Carew
Veronica Carew General Manager Communications

Veronica joined the RNA in April 2010.

She has more than 25 years' experience in media and public relations. A strategic corporate communications manager Veronica has 15 years' experience in the not-for-profit sector, at a state and national level, developing strategies and campaigns to promote the interests of agriculture, education and the over 50s in the media.

Previously Veronica spent eight years working as a journalist and editor in the Australian print media.

In her current role at the RNA, Veronica is responsible for developing and implementing integrated communication strategies across traditional and digital mediums, digital content creation and branding, crisis management and public relations initiatives, media and issues management, and the management of internal and external communications.

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Jago Coyle
Jago Coyle General Manager - Venue Sales and Marketing

Jago Coyle joined the RNA in 2015, bringing a depth of experience from the hotel and events industries, both nationally and internationally.

Prior to being appointed to General Manager of Venue Sales and Marketing at the RNA, Mr Coyle was the Director of Sales and Marketing at both the Sofitel and Marriott Hotels in Brisbane, Director of Sales and Marketing at the London Marriott and Executive Apartments West India Quay, Canary Wharf London.

He has also had experience as a Deputy General Manager in hotels, a Director of Rooms and Director of Food and Beverage in various hotels, but started his professional life as a chef for eight years.

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Luke Pearl
Luke Pearl General Manager Operations

Luke Pearl joined the RNA in December 2017, bringing with him a strong depth of experience from the Hotel and Event precinct sectors.

Having worked nationally and internationally over the past 20 years, Luke's Executive Management background includes Cluster Director of Revenue for Marriott Hotels UK South, Director of Operations at Tudor Park (a Marriott Hotel and Country Club), General Manager at Village Urban Resort London, General Manager at Stamford Plaza Brisbane and most recently General Manager at Accorhotels Sydney Olympic Park.

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Dianne Rigg
Dianne Rigg General Manager Royal Queensland Show – Ekka

Dianne joined the RNA in February 2023.

She has more than 15 years-experience as a large venue and destination professional, having worked at some of the largest and most complex venues in Australia including Sea World, Movie World and Wet n Wild Sydney, as well as the Lionsgate Entertainment World 25,000m2 indoor theme park in China.

Most recently, Dianne was Group General Manager Event Operations of Venues NSW where she was part of the executive leadership team which oversaw the construction and recent opening of the $828 million Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

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Kirstin Hinchliffe
Kirstin Hinchliffe MBA Griffith Uni Qld GAICD CAHRI General Manager – Human Resources

Kirstin joined the RNA in July 2024 bringing 18 years of experience in human resource management, operational excellence and strategic leadership.

She has a wealth of experience in implementing effective HR strategies, and fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and employee well-being.

Her previous role was the General Manager of People & Safety for the St Vincent de Paul Society overseeing both Queensland and Northern Territory operations.

She is passionate about maximising human potential, effective change management, enhancing organisational performance, and achieving business objectives through effective leadership and innovative HR practices.

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