BRISBANE, Australia — Kris Stewart, CEO of QMusic, the trade body that produces BIGSOUND and the annual Queensland Music Awards, is stepping down after five years in the role.
Stewart took the top job in June 2021, after eight years serving as artistic director at Brisbane Powerhouse. He departs ahead of the 2026 QMAs, which this year moves from the state capital Brisbane for the very first time, and will be presented April 22 on the Gold Coast.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Stewart says it’s the right time to move on to a new challenge and for QMusic to introduce new leadership. “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,” he remarks. “While sad that I’m finishing, I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved and leave knowing the organization has never been stronger.”
The search for the organization’s next CEO has begun.
QMusic chair Jake Challenor applauds the outgoing chief executive, noting he oversaw “significant growth” across the organization as total revenue in that time more than doubled and partnerships across government and industry have expanded.
Also, Stewart led QMusic’s advocacy at both a state and federal level, including contributing to the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into live music, establishing the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Music Industry, held last week, and supporting the creation of the Night-Life Economy Commission, led by the state’s first Night-Life Economy Commissioner, venue operator and Powderfinger bass player John “JC” Collins.
The QMusic board and Stewart agreed that this was the right time for a leadership transition, Challenor explains, as the organization shifts to a member-voted Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), registered with ASIC. a process that is ongoing and close to finalization.
“With the organization in a position of strength,” comments 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.”
QMusic, Challenor continues, “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.”
In a separate message posted on LinkedIn, Stewart remarks that his time at QMusic has been “some of the most enjoyable years of my career” and that he has a “few irons in the fire.”
