At the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), Neisha D’Souza has been appointed to replace outgoing CEO Carla Armanet.
D’Souza comes to the role from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure where she worked for nearly a decade, most recently as the executive director of strategic advisory services at Property and Development NSW.
The footprint SOPA oversees includes several pieces of major events infrastructure, including Sydney Showground, Accor Stadium and Qudos Bank Arena.
“Neisha is a highly effective and knowledgeable leader with strong property sector experience and expertise,” said the NSW planning and public spaces minister, Paul Scully.
“She will play a key role in implementing the vision for Sydney Olympic Park with the recent development of SOPA’s 2050 Masterplan.
“I thank…Carla Armanet for her significant contribution to SOPA. Carla’s committed leadership has seen the development of the 2050 Masterplan, which will be critical to the future of the precinct.”
The masterplan is an expansive vision to deliver services for residents as well as new hotel accommodation.
At Destination NSW, following the departure of Steve Cox in November, Karen Jones has begun as the agency’s acting CEO. She is expected to be in the role for around six months as a permanent leader for DNSW is found.
Jones moves over from the state government’s office of sport, where she has been chief executive since December 2019. Jones has been in NSW Government roles for over 12 consecutive years.
“Karen is a proven leader with exceptional skills in forging partnerships and achieving results,” said Destination NSW chair Sally Loane.
“Her extensive experience across government and her strategic acumen position her well to lead Destination NSW during this transitional phase.”
Jones began in the role last week.
