Meet our CEO

Adrian Collette AM became CEO of the Australia Council (now Creative Australia) in January 2019. Adrian’s leadership has brought us through the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2023, the successful transfer of the people and functions of Creative Partnerships Australia into the Australia Council, and our transformation to Creative Australia. He served on the National Cultural Policy Advisory Group, which was appointed to provide overarching strategic advice to inform the development of the 2023 Policy.

Previously, he held the position of Chief Executive of Opera Australia (Australia’s largest performing arts company) for 16 years, and has also worked in book publishing for a decade – including as Managing Director, Reed Books, a division of Reed Elsevier. As Vice-Principal (Engagement) at the University of Melbourne his responsibilities included managing the University’s museums and galleries and its many arts sector partnerships.

Adrian also served as a member of the Australia Council Board between July 2013 and December 2018 and chaired the Major Performing Arts Panel.

Adrian was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for service to the performing arts, particularly through executive roles with Opera Australia, as a mentor to young artists, to publishing, and to the community.