John Kotzas AM

John Kotzas AM is Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), one of Australia’s most successful centres of live performance. Since joining QPAC in 1989, John has undertaken various creative and management roles, directing the inaugural Brisbane Festival, and establishing the Out of the Box Festival.

Under John’s leadership, QPAC has established itself not only as a major presenter, producer and investor, but also as a significant public space and centre for arts education. Since 2009, the QPAC International Series has presented exclusive seasons from some of the world’s leading arts companies. John led the organisation’s successful bid to build a new theatre, which on completion will make QPAC Australia’s largest performing arts centre.

In recognition of his distinguished service to the arts, John was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021. He has also been awarded the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) for his commitment to Italian arts, culture and community in Australia and he holds Honorary Doctorates from Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University.