Stadiums Tasmania chief executive James Avery is leaving to run AFL club the GWS Giants.
Avery will step down on October 4 after three years as the venue authority’s first boss. He starts at the Giants in early November.
Avery has led Stadiums Tasmania since it was set up in 2022 to own and run the state’s major venues.
It currently runs UTAS Stadium and the Silverdome, with Ninja Stadium and MyState Bank Arena earmarked to follow.
He also oversaw upgrades at those venues and helped bring the Foo Fighters to Tasmania in January for an exclusive concert, the state’s largest ever.
Stadiums Tasmania chair Jill Davies said Avery had shaped the organisation from the ground up.
“He has played a key role in supporting the planning approval and design development of the Macquarie Point multi-purpose stadium and has overseen major infrastructure initiatives at UTAS Stadium and the Silverdome,” she said.
Avery said his departure was not an easy one.
“I’m excited to embrace a new opportunity, however my departure is tinged with sadness given Stadiums Tasmania’s exciting future and the many incredible projects and growth opportunities currently underway,” he said.
The move is a return to familiar ground. Avery worked at the Giants for eight years from 2015 to 2023, most recently as chief operating officer under the man he will now replace, chief executive David Matthews.
Giants president Tim Reed said the club ran “an extensive and thorough search” before appointing Avery and pointed to his links to the club’s home markets.
“James brings a wealth of industry experience, a deep understanding of Western Sydney and Canberra and a clear vision for the future,” Reed said.
Acting Premier Bridget Archer thanked Avery for his work on the Macquarie Point stadium and for helping secure the Foo Fighters concert.
Stadiums Tasmania will begin a national search for its next chief executive.
Matthews will stay on at the Giants until Avery starts in November.
