Chief Executive
Lisa Havilah
Lisa Havilah was appointed Chief Executive in January 2019. Through her visionary leadership she is establishing a new museum paradigm for one of Australia’s oldest and most important cultural institutions. The landmark Powerhouse renewal project is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia since the Sydney Opera House. It includes the creation of the museum’s new flagship, Powerhouse Parramatta; the renewal of Powerhouse Ultimo; the expansion of Powerhouse Castle Hill and the digitisation of the Powerhouse collection. From 2012 to 2019, Lisa was the Director of Carriageworks.
Under her leadership Carriageworks experienced extraordinary audience, artistic and commercial growth, becoming the fastest growing cultural precinct in Australia. Previously, she was Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, where she pioneered an internationally renowned contemporary arts program that brought together culturally and socially diverse communities.
Chief Operating Officer
Mark Wilsdon
Mark Wilsdon was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2021. He brings over 30 years’ experience in the arts, cultural, tourism and hospitality sectors, including as the founding Co-CEO of the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) where he oversaw the establishment and extraordinary growth of the world-renowned institution. Mark brings strong entrepreneurial spirit, financial and commercial acumen, as well as expertise in the delivery of visitor experience strategies. He is responsible for oversight of team development, organisational structure, operational planning and cultural and business capabilities, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant enterprise and culture. Under his leadership, a new benchmark in visitor experience will be set across Powerhouse sites, aligning commercial operations with dynamic cultural programming.
Acting Director, Curatorial, Collections and Programs
Matthew Connell
Matthew Connell was appointed Acting Director Curatorial, Collections and Programs in February 2020. He was previously Principal Curator and has been a curator at the museum since 1991. Matthew’s research and curatorial interests include computing history, mathematics history, media art and design, interaction design, STEM education and learning, cultures of innovation and curatorship. He is currently involved in research projects relating to post-disciplinary curatorship, interactive immersive systems, Australian nuclear science and technology and the industrial and cultural implications of digital manufacturing technologies. Matthew is Adjunct Professor, iCinema Centre for Interactive Cinema Research, University of New South Wales.
Director, Strategic Projects
Lisa Ffrench
Lisa Ffrench was appointed Director, Strategic Projects, Powerhouse Program in December 2019. She leads the development of strategic projects designed for implementation as part of the Powerhouse Parramatta program. Lisa was previously the Director of Programs at Carriageworks for seven years. Prior to that she worked in the Prime Minister’s office, where her responsibilities included management of the Prime Minister’s national and international public events. Lisa brings over 25 years’ experience in the arts and cultural sector across museums, theatre, dance, film, music and television nationally and internationally.
Director, First Nations
Emily McDaniel
Emily McDaniel was appointed Director, First Nations in May 2021. Emily is an esteemed curator, educator and writer from the Kalari Clan of the Wiradjuri Nation in Central New South Wales. Emily is the curator of City of Sydney’s Harbour Walk, a First Nations public art and interpretation strategy and program. As an independent consultant, she has advised on curatorship, engagement, learning and interpretation in the public domain, media and the museums and galleries sector. She has also held curatorial positions at the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art, Biennale of Sydney and Kaldor Public Art Projects. Emily’s creative and cultural practice centres on truth-telling, storytelling and revealing histories through the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creative practitioners.
Director, Office of the Chief Executive
Susanna Montrone
Susanna Montrone was appointed Director Office of the Chief Executive in January 2022. She is responsible for management of the Executive Office and leads government relations. She has over 10 years’ experience advising government leaders and CEOs on public policy, parliamentary procedure, project development and governance. Prior to joining the Powerhouse, Susanna worked as a senior adviser for several NSW Government Ministers, including leading policy for Regional NSW, disaster recovery, education and road safety. She has previously managed agency-side public affairs and communications for major ecommerce, technology, healthcare and infrastructure clients in Australia and internationally.
Director, Design and Delivery
Clare Moore
Clare Moore was appointed Director, Design and Delivery in June 2021. With a degree in architecture, Clare has worked in Sydney, Copenhagen and London. In 2008 Clare transitioned from architecture to project management and went on to lead client-side project management for the Zaha Hadid London Aquatic Centre and David Morley Architects Water Polo Arena for the London Olympic Games in 2012. Clare led many of Taronga Zoo’s capital projects including the award-winning Savannah Precinct. Clare brings to Powerhouse 20 years’ experience in design, delivery and project management on national and international projects, with a particular focus on complex builds across multi-stakeholder organisations.
Director, Business Transformation
Jamie Twist
Jamie Twist was appointed Director, Business Transformation in July 2022 following appointments at the Powerhouse including Director, Renewal Strategy. He joined the museum in 2020 and led the business cases for Powerhouse Parramatta and Powerhouse Ultimo and is currently co-authoring the Powerhouse 2030 Strategy. Prior to joining Powerhouse, Jamie led teams to deliver business cases for cultural infrastructure at Create NSW. He delivered visitor engagement strategies and new precincts at Barangaroo, NSW National Parks and venue management for the Domain, Sydney. He has also delivered national and international stadium productions and toured theatre productions internationally. As Director, Business Transformation Jamie is embedding new ways of working to redefine what a museum can be for community and industry. He is also responsible for Facilities and Asset Management, Visitor Services and ICT.
Director, Strategy & Operations
Simon Walkom
Simon Walkom was appointed Director, Strategy and Operations, Powerhouse Program in January 2020. Simon joined Powerhouse from Create NSW where he managed the strategic development and delivery of key cultural infrastructure projects to ensure the continued success of some of Sydney’s major cultural institutions, including the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, the Australian Museum’s Project Discover and the return of the Theatre Royal. Prior to Create NSW, Simon developed diverse audiences through innovative cultural, public art and major event programming at City of Sydney. He brings more than 15 years’ experience across the arts and cultural sector to the role.
Director, Commercial
Timo Bures
Timo Bures was appointed Director Commercial in November 2022. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, with a focus on delivering complex accommodation and food and beverage projects. Prior to joining Powerhouse, Timo led the inception and realisation of two of Australia’s most recognised hotels, Canberra’s Hotel Hotel and The Old Clare Hotel in Sydney. Timo is creating the commercial strategy and will build a dynamic commercial team to deliver on the Powerhouse Renewal objectives. His areas of responsibility include hospitality, food & beverage, retail, events, venue sales and commercial partnerships. As Director Commercial, Timo develops innovative, inclusive, and sustainable operational concepts and venues that enable Powerhouse to serve as a cornerstone of existing, as well as emerging, communities.