The Organisation:

Perth has been selected to host Gay Games XIII in 2030, welcoming thousands of athletes, artists, performers and visitors from across the globe to Western Australia. The Gay Games are the world's largest LGBTQIA+ sporting and cultural event, founded on the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™, and open to all regardless of background, identity or ability.

Perth Gay Games 2030 Ltd has been established to plan, deliver and conclude this landmark event in partnership with the Federation of Gay Games, Tourism WA, Pride WA and a broad coalition of community, sporting, cultural and corporate stakeholders.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation from establishment through to the successful delivery of the Games and its enduring legacy.

The Role:

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a major international event from the ground up. Reporting to the Board, you will provide end-to-end leadership across strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement, commercial partnerships, marketing, operations and event delivery. You will work with government, sponsors, tourism bodies, community organisations and international partners to bring the vision of Perth Gay Games XIII to life.

Success will be measured not only by the successful delivery of the Games, but also by achieving strong participation outcomes, meaningful social impact, positive economic benefits for Western Australia and a lasting legacy for inclusion through sport and culture.

About You:

You are a commercially astute executive who thrives in complex, high-profile and fast-moving environments. You bring the confidence and adaptability to engage effectively in the boardroom, negotiate major partnerships, present to stakeholders and represent an organisation on the international stage.

You may come from the sporting, events, tourism, arts, cultural, government, not-for-profit or commercial sectors.



More important than sector experience is your ability to deliver ambitious outcomes through strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and organisational execution.

You will bring:

- Senior executive leadership experience within a complex organisation, major event or large-scale program.

- Demonstrated success managing substantial budgets and delivering strong commercial outcomes.

- Experience securing sponsorships, partnerships, funding or other revenue streams.

- Strong governance, compliance and risk management capability.

- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills.

- Experience leading diverse teams and bringing people together behind a shared vision.

- A genuine commitment to inclusion and an appreciation of the values that underpin the Gay Games movement.

This is more than an executive role. It is an opportunity to lead a movement, inspire a community and help deliver one of the most significant inclusive sporting and cultural events ever hosted in Australia.

For more information about this prospect, a detailed Candidate Prospectus is available by emailing ••••@lesterblades.com.au. After reviewing the Prospectus, you can make further confidential enquiries to Lester Blades’ Partner, Jemma Buckner via ••••@lesterblades.com.au or Craig Dawson via ••••@lesterblades.com.au or on +61 8 9221 0744.

Applications may be made to ••••@lesterblades.com.au quoting Reference LB303438. Please include a cover letter with your application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and achievements for this key position.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Wednesday 19th August 2026.

Candidates’ rights under the Privacy Act will be observed at all times.

Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia can be considered.

ABOUT LESTER BLADES

Lester Blades is a Western Australian owned executive search and board advisory firm with local specialisation and international reach. We focus on uncompromising excellence in service to clients in the identification of Non-Executive Directors, CEOs and a range of other senior executive and functional leadership roles.

📌 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (Perth)
🏢 Lester Blades - Executive Search & Board Advisory
📍 Perth