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.
Please view our RNA organisational chart
for more information.
Brendan Christou
Chief Executive
BBus QUT MBA Curtin CPA
Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) Brendan Christou commenced
at the RNA in March 2004 as the organisation's Financial
Controller. His role has evolved considerably since then, with
increased responsibility seeing him promoted to Corporate Services
Manager in 2008, Chief Operating Officer in 2009 and Chief
Executive in 2012.
Brendan's previous experience spans across the retail,
engineering and financial services industries. He completed his
Master of Business Administration from Curtin University in 2008.
Brendan is a member of the Brisbane Development Association's
Executive Committee and is Treasurer for the Ambassadors of St
John's Cathedral.
Steven Grimes
Project Director, RNA Showgrounds Redevelopment
BE Qld
• Project planning, management and delivery
• Stakeholder communication and consultation
Steven joined the RNA in September 2009 to oversee the
association's role with its project partner, Lend Lease, in the
delivery of the $2.9 billion RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project.
Steven brings with him more than 23 years professional experience
in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States delivering
award-winning, large scale, and mixed use developments.
Previous positions include Team Leader for Lend Lease Water
Alliance on the Gold Coast, Development Operations Manager and
Project Director for Actus Lend Lease in the United States.
• Project planning, management and delivery
• Stakeholder communication and consultation
Steven joined the RNA in September 2009 to oversee
the association's role with its project partner, Lend Lease, in the
delivery of the $2.9 billion RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project.
Steven brings with him more than 23 years professional experience
in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States delivering
award-winning, large scale, and mixed use developments. Previous
positions include Team Leader for Lend Lease Water Alliance on the
Gold Coast, Development Operations Manager and Project Director for
Actus Lend Lease in the United St
Martin Cichero
Manager, Facilities
BSurv UQ Grad Cert (Facility Management) QUT JP (Qual)
• Asset management
• Maintenance
• Contractor management
• Stores
Martin joined the RNA in July 2009 as Facility Manager,
coordinating the association's building, cleaning, maintenance and
landscaping services while overseeing the RNA's 17 full-time
facility staff, who maintain the organisation's assets and provide
support services to all events.
His previous experience includes positions in Survey and
Development consultancy companies and the Department of Natural
Resources. Martin has spent more than a decade maintaining and
operating infrastructure for two of Australia's largest residential
communities, Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island Resort.
• Asset management
• Maintenance
• Contractor management
• Stores
Martin joined the RNA in July 2009 as Facility
Manager, coordinating the association's building, cleaning,
maintenance and landscaping services while overseeing the RNA's 17
full-time facility staff, who maintain the organisation's assets
and provide support services to all events. His previous experience
includes positions in Survey and Development consultancy companies
and the Department of Natural Resources. Martin has spent more than
a decade maintaining and operating infrastructure for two of
Australia's largest residential communities, Sanctuary Cove and
Hope Island Resort.
Veronica Carew
Manager, Communications
• Integrated communication strategies, crisis management
and public relations initiatives
• Media and issues management
• Management of internal and external communications
Veronica joined the RNA in April 2010, bringing with her 18
years experience in media and public relations. A strategic
corporate communications manager Veronica has 10 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.
• Integrated communication strategies, crisis
management and public relations initiatives
• Media and issues management
• Management of internal and external communications
Veronica joined the RNA in April 2010, bringing with her 18 years
experience in media and public relations. A strategic corporate
communications manager Veronica has 10 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 med
Don Savage
Manager, Royal Queensland Show Leasing
Assoc.Dip.E&C SBIT TVOCP
• Promotion, coordination and management of exhibitor,
carnival and retail leasing for Ekka
• Coordination and management of RNA operated catering for
'out of Show' events
Don Savage joined the RNA team in early 2006 after an extensive
career spanning 40 years with Network Ten in Brisbane. During this
time he managed the network's broadcast on-air operation; was Chief
Engineer for almost ten years; and Ten's Pavilion Manager for the
duration of World Expo 88 at South Bank.
, coordination and management of exhibitor,
carnival and retail leasing for the Ekka
• Coordination and management of RNA
operated catering for 'out of Show' events
Don Savage joined the RNA team in early 2006 after
an extensive career spanning 40 years with Network Ten in Brisbane.
During this time he managed the network's broadcast on-air
operation; was Chief Engineer for almost ten years; and Ten's
Pavilion Manager for the duration of World Expo 88 at South
Ba
Justin Grace
Manager, Marketing and Sponsorship
BBus, BA QUT
Justin joined the RNA in January 2011 and has a dual
qualification from the Queensland University of Technology-Bachelor
of Business, majoring in Advertising and Bachelor of Arts, majoring
in Media Studies. He has eight years marketing experience in the
retail, leisure and food industry.
In his previous role as Executive Manager- Communications at the
Royal Children's Hospital Foundation, his responsibility was the
portfolio of media and sponsorship partnerships within the private,
media and government organisations.
Sujoy Dey
General Manager, Operations
Diploma of Hotel Management (First Division), University of Delhi
Sujoy joined the RNA in October 2011 bringing with him more than
20 years experience in the hotel and conventions industries across
Australasia.
In his current role as General Manager of Operations, Sujoy's
responsibility ranges from operations planning, execution and
overseeing of current events, and overseeing the set up and
operations of the new convention and exhibition centre.
Sujoy has previously been the Director of Operations for Borneo
Convention Centre Kuching and had a 21 year career tenure with
Adelaide Convention Centre.
Sue Hocking
General Manager, Sales and Marketing
Advanced Dip Tourism Management, Adelaide College of TAFE
• Development and implementation of sales and marketing
strategies for the RNA Showgrounds precinct
Sue joined the RNA in September 2011 bringing with her 25 years
experience, three years as Director of Sales-Qatar National
Convention Centre (QNCC) and a 22 year career with Adelaide
Convention Centre. Sue held the role of Director- Sales and
Marketing in Adelaide before relocating to Qatar to join the
pre-opening team to manage the set up of the sales and marketing
department at Qatar National Convention Centre.
• Development and implementation of sales and
marketing strategies for the RNA Showgrounds precinct
Sue joined the RNA in September 2011 bringing with her 25 years
experience, three years as Director of Sales-Qatar National
Convention Centre (QNCC) and a 22 year career with Adelaide
Convention Centre. Sue held the role of Director- Sales and
Marketing in Adelaide before relocating to Qatar to join the
pre-opening team to manage the set up of the sales and marketing
department at Qatar National Convention Centre