ICC Sydney Chief Executive Geoff Donaghy to step down from role

June 11, 2024

After more than 30 years of being immersed in venue management, Geoff Donaghy, Chief Executive of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), has announced he will depart his full-time role on 30th August, but will stay on as an advisor to the business until the end of the year as ASM Global embeds its succession strategy over the coming weeks.

ASM Global (APAC), Executive Chairman, Harvey Lister AM shared “on behalf of ASM Global, we thank Geoff for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the company and our people during his more than 30 years of service.

“Geoff Donaghy is one of ASM Global’s longest serving executives having contributed greatly to the establishment of key venues in our portfolio, including Cairns Convention Centre, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, numerous venue management bids globally and of course ten years of extraordinary success at ICC Sydney.

“As CEO, Geoff and his ICC Sydney team have secured and operated events that have delivered almost A$4 billion in economic impact for the state, but his inspiring leadership is renowned for living up to the promise of ICC Sydney’s mission to make a difference – for one another, clients, community and the environment. Moreover, I recognise one of Geoff’s greatest achievements in successfully navigating ICC Sydney and our broader industry through the challenging times of the COVID pandemic.”

Donaghy said of his time with ASM Global “it is with great pride that I reflect on the milestones of the past three decades. I want to express my appreciation to Executive Chairman Harvey Lister for his commitment to the group’s advancement, Group Director - Venue and Event Innovation, Rod Pilbeam and our network of colleagues from around the world for their continued dedication and professionalism. Serving our teams, clients and community has been an absolute privilege.

“The team here at ICC Sydney has achieved many accolades, but I am most immensely proud of our investment in the strength of our people, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. I look forward to seeing these important legacies continued into the decades ahead.

Under Donaghy’s leadership, ICC Sydney received 95 industry awards, achieving an average delegate satisfaction rating of 97.4% and 98.2% client satisfaction rating.

ICC Sydney was the first convention centre to release a Reconciliation Action Plan and a Disability and Inclusion Action Plan, reach Silver Tier status in Pride in Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index, among other leading campaigns such as its Feeding your Performance philosophy and client Legacy Program.

4th June 2024 - ICC Sydney’s inclusive workplace recognised with elevation to Silver status

28th May 2024 - ICC Sydney partners with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

3rd May 2024 - ICC Sydney launches community ticket program giving children and youth access to performing arts

29th April 2024 - ASM Global secures 10-year contract extension to operate ICC Sydney

9th April 2024 - ICC Sydney launches immersive audio-visual projection service for event organisers

2nd April 2024 - ICC Sydney launches inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan

28th March 2024 - ICC Sydney responds to Benchmarking Sydney 2024 report

25th March 2024 - Record number of candidates recruited into ICC Sydney’s Audio Visual Graduate Program

19th March 2024 - 2024 set to be ICC Sydney’s biggest year for entertainment

22nd February 2024 - ICC Sydney delivers carbon neutral ‘RESPECT’ experience

21st February 2024 - ICC Sydney report spotlights six trends shaping the evolution of events

22nd January 2024 - Michelle Zangari promoted to role of Senior Manager Live Events at ICC Sydney

29th November 2023 - ICC Sydney presents array of entertainment options over summer season

28th October 2023 - ICC Sydney strengthens commitment to social impact

16th October 2023 - Creative industries festival SXSW Sydney launched at ICC Sydney

12th October 2023 - ICC Sydney senior manager to participate in ‘Future Shapers’ leadership program

29th September 2023 - ICC Sydney continues to champion Orange wine producers

21st September 2023 - ICC Sydney becomes first convention centre recognised in national equality program

13th September 2023 - ICC Sydney inaugural High Performance Program produces first graduates

7th September 2023 - ICC Sydney Human Resources Business Partner named national ‘rising star’

31st August 2023 - ICC Sydney doubles its contribution to NSW economy in 2022/23 financial year

23rd August 2023 - ICC Sydney recognises First Nations Peoples at peak cultural heritage conservation symposium

16th August 2023 - ICC Sydney team participate in 2023 City2Surf and raise funds for KARI Foundation

7th August 2023 - ICC Sydney delivers bespoke digital offerings for Accor Pacific Conference

25th July 2023 - ICC Sydney team members recognised for innovative venue solutions at AIPC Congress

18th July 2023 - ICC Sydney ‘Exhibitions in Focus’ event supports knowledge exchange, partnership and planning

10th July 2023 - ICC Sydney recognises outstanding contributions of team members

8th July 2023 - ICC Sydney prepares for inaugural future-focussed SXSW Sydney event following Mission Impossible Premiere

5th July 2023 - ICC Sydney marks NAIDOC Week 2023 with launch of ‘Yarning Circle’ series

26th June 2023 - ICC Sydney to host inaugural UTS Startups Summit

8th June 2023 - ICC Sydney welcomes youth wellbeing event Stand Tall for seventh consecutive year

25th May 2023 - ICC Sydney launches Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide

18th May 2023 - ICC Sydney team thrilled to secure five wins at MEA NSW Awards

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