Chief Executive Officer - Melbourne Royal

• Lead one of Victoria’s most iconic organisations into its next era
• Guide the future of the Melbourne Showgrounds Precinct
• Drive commercial growth across major events, venues and awards

For more than 175 years, Melbourne Royal has celebrated excellence in agriculture, delivered world-class events and created lasting social and economic impact for Victoria. Best known for the Melbourne Royal Show, the organisation also operates one of Melbourne's largest event precincts and delivers internationally recognised food, beverage and agricultural awards. Today, Melbourne Royal contributes more than $450 million in annual economic activity and brings together over 450,000 visitors, 20,000 competition entries, 5,000 businesses and 1,400 volunteers each year.

Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio encompassing major events, venue operations, commercial partnerships, awards programs and organisational performance. The successful candidate will lead one of the most significant strategic priorities in Melbourne Royal's history - working closely with government and key stakeholders to secure the long-term future of the Melbourne Showgrounds. The role will require exceptional commercial judgement, sophisticated government engagement and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while continuing to grow the organisation's commercial performance and community impact.

To be considered for this role, you are an experienced executive leader, who has a track record of cultivating trust and demonstrating sound judgement to drive improved business results. You thrive in leading complex organisations through periods of growth and transformation. You bring the commercial acumen, political judgement and authentic leadership required to guide a highly respected organisation into its next chapter.

You have successfully led customer-focused, commercial or member-based organisations where balancing diverse stakeholder interests has been central to your success. Whether driving revenue growth, developing strategic partnerships or identifying new commercial opportunities, you have consistently delivered sustainable business performance while remaining true to organisational purpose.

Known for your collaborative leadership style, you inspire trust, empower high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, innovation and excellence. Your integrity is unquestioned, your attention to detail is exceptional, and you understand the importance of protecting and enhancing the reputation of an established and respected brand.

You are motivated by the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy—leading an iconic organisation that combines commercial success with genuine community impact.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/4hs6ufhe

To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Paul Lefebvre at Paul.Lefebvre@Davidsonwp.com (0408 036 046) or Luke Henningsen at Luke.Henningsen@Davidsonwp.com (0403 468 888)

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Applications close on Sunday, 19th July 2026.