BRISBANE, Australia — Kris Stewart, CEO of QMusic, the organization behind the BIGSOUND festival and the Queensland Music Awards, will be stepping down after five years in the position. His departure will precede the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, which will be held outside of Brisbane for the first time on April 22.

Leadership Transition

Stewart assumed the role of CEO in June 2021, following eight years as artistic director at Brisbane Powerhouse. He stated that it is the appropriate time for him to pursue new challenges and for QMusic to embrace 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,” Stewart said. “While sad that I’m finishing, I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved and leave knowing the organization has never been stronger.”

Growth and Advocacy Under Stewart’s Leadership

QMusic chair Jake Challenor praised Stewart’s tenure, highlighting significant growth within the organization. Total revenue more than doubled during his leadership, and partnerships with government and industry stakeholders expanded. Stewart also spearheaded QMusic’s advocacy efforts at both state and federal levels.

Key Advocacy Achievements

  • Contribution to the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into live music
  • Establishment of the Queensland Music Industry Roundtable (most recently held last week)
  • Support for the creation of the Night-Life Economy Commission, led by John “JC” Collins

Organizational Changes and Future Outlook

The QMusic board and Stewart mutually agreed on the timing of the transition as the organization moves towards becoming a member-voted Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG), a process nearing completion. Challenor explained that with the organization financially stable and well-supported, now is the ideal time for a new leader to guide QMusic’s next phase.

“With the organization in a position of strength,” Challenor commented, “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.”

Opportunities and Challenges for Queensland Music

The Queensland contemporary music community faces a significant opportunity with Brisbane hosting the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Stewart recently addressed Queensland’s Parliament House, emphasizing the importance of supporting grassroots music venues, citing the recent closure of two venues on the Sunshine Coast. He stressed that a thriving music industry relies on a strong foundation of local venues and artists.

In a LinkedIn post announcing his departure, Stewart described his time at QMusic as “some of the most enjoyable years of my career” and indicated he is exploring new ventures.