Meet Business Events Wellington’s new manager
Loryn Blaikie has been appointed manager of Business Events Wellington, with current manager, Irette Ferreira, set to depart next month.
It’s a return to the bureau for Blaikie, who was previously a business development manager for Business Events Wellington.
Blaikie rejoins the organisation from the New Zealand International Convention Centre, where she has been international sales manager since September 2023.
A second role change at Business Events Wellington will see Louise Woodburn promoted to the just-created role of manager of business development. In addition to her existing responsibilities managing the bureau’s network of advocates, Woodburn will oversee business development with BDMs Angela Leung and Belinda Yeo reporting to her.
“With deep experience across international markets and strong sector relationships, these appointments reinforce our ability to deliver for Wellington and our stakeholders,” said Ferreira.
Ferreira is leaving Business Events Wellington to return home to South Africa to be closer to family after more than 15 years working abroad in the business events industry.
Australian Open boss to depart
Tennis Australia’s CEO, Craig Tiley, will leave the organisation before Australia’s next Grand Slam, after accepting the top job at Tennis Australia’s major competitor, the United States Tennis Association, the governing body of tennis in the US, and organiser of the US Open.
Tiley has been with Tennis Australia since 2005, joining as director of player development, before becoming the Australian Open tournament director in 2006 and CEO of Tennis Australia in 2013.
In its media release announcing his departure, Tennis Australia said Tiley had “presided over a period of unprecedented growth for both the sport and the Australian Open”. The Australian Grand Slam is the most highly attended of the four grand slams around the world and broke its attendance record again in 2026.
Tennis Australia Chair Chris Harrop called Tiley’s reign at Tennis Australia “transformative”.
“Under Craig’s leadership, participation and engagement with our sport has gone from strength to strength.
“Tennis Australia is now globally renowned for its innovation, inclusiveness and event management, as showcased in an outstanding Summer of Tennis which culminated in another record-breaking Australian Open this year.
“The fact that Craig has been selected for one of the biggest roles in global sport is a testament to the strength of our organisation.
“We want to thank Craig for his enormous contribution to tennis in Australia and for his role in developing an outstanding team which is well equipped to deliver continued success.
“We have commenced an internal and external search for a new CEO and look forward to an orderly transition.”
Tiley said leading the Tennis Australia team “has been the privilege of my life”.
“I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player’s partner and the benchmark for the sport, events and entertainment.
“My greatest thrill has been working with the many talented people throughout our entire team and indeed the Australian tennis family. It is a tight-knit community with so much passion, talent and commitment to the sport we all love.
“While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is clear: delivering a smooth transition and ensuring I leave the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape.”
