Executive team
John Aitken, Chief Executive Officer
Commencing as Brisbane Marketing’s Chief Executive Officer in February 2008, John Aitken provides an in-depth understanding of the tourism industry and extensive experience and proven success in leading major events and marketing several iconic Australian projects to his current role. Prior to joining Brisbane Marketing, John was General Manager, Events and Marketing for the Sydney Royal Easter Show. He is also the author of a number of strategic plans for bodies including the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Tourism Sydney.
John was the founding Producer and Director of Brisbane’s Riverfestival, along with many other Brisbane and Queensland event traditions. Today he sits on a number of Boards including the Asia Pacific Cities Summit Steering Committee, Association of Australian Convention Bureau, Australia TradeCoast and Brisbane City Council Sister Cities Advisory Group.
Stephen Deane, Director, Marketing
Stephen Deane is a former Managing Partner of a global marketing network. A senior marketing communications specialist with more than 18 years experience in the leisure tourism, retail, government, corporate and finance sectors. Stephen has significant expertise in the development of integrated strategic marketing plans and econometrics throughout various countries and diverse business sectors. In his role, Stephen is responsible for leading the marketing direction, identifying strategic opportunities and providing marketing solutions across all Brisbane Marketing's business units.
Daniel Havas, Director, Investment Attraction
Daniel Havas leads the team who grow Brisbane’s vibrant economy by securing quality, sustainable, inward investment and reinvestment. Daniel has a strong background in international business strategy, cross-border business development and project management. As part of his role, Daniel also oversees the development of new foreign markets for inward investment to the region, the Investment Attraction Corporate Partnership and the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.
Jon Kritzinger, Director, Finance, IT and Operations
Jon Kritzinger is a Chartered Accountant with more than 16 years experience in management accounting and financial management. He has a strong background working in medium sized companies with particular expertise in the manufacturing and retail construction sectors. He has held a number of Directorships on various divisional Boards and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia. He is responsible for financial management, information technology, risk management, corporate administration and insurance.
Cathie McBean, Director, Leisure Tourism
As Director of the Leisure Tourism team, Cathie McBean is responsible for overseeing the Leisure Tourism business unit and is a key member of Brisbane Marketing’s Executive team. Under Cathie’s guidance the Leisure Tourism team works to: increase awareness, preference and intention to travel in the Greater Brisbane region; increase visitor expenditure and the value of tourism in Brisbane; increase tourism employment and retention; and ensure the sustainable development of Brisbane’s experiences. Cathie’s diverse career spans more than 20 years in tourism, hospitality and the entertainment industry.
Gordon Scott, Director, Export
Gordon Scott oversees the Study Brisbane initiative, which supports and develops Brisbane’s largest export sector – international education. Gordon brings 20 years international expertise in the public and private sectors to his role, including experience managing Brisbane City Council’s Sister City and international relations programs. He currently represents Brisbane Marketing on several committees including Griffith University’s international advisory panel, the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Round Table and the Queensland Trade and Export Council.
Annabel Sullivan, Director, Convention Bureau
Annabel Sullivan brings almost 20 years of diverse experience in the tourism, conference and incentive industry to her role as Director, Convention Bureau. Annabel has worked for major brands and stakeholders in the tourism industry including Tourism Queensland, Qantas Australian Resorts, P&O Australian Resorts and Voyages Hotels and Resorts. Her wealth of experience enables her to guide the team in their efforts of attracting business events to Brisbane.
Georgie Evangelou, Manager, Human Resources
Georgie Evangelou is a senior human resource management practitioner with more than 15 years specialist experience in the international development sector. She has held a number of senior management and generalist positions across various sectors including commerce, consulting services, international non-government organisations, as well as State and Federal Government departments. Georgie developed the company’s People Management Strategy to respond to the challenges and opportunities in Brisbane Marketing’s Business Plan 2010–2015.