Premier

New Chair Appointed To Lead Victorian Opera

30 July 2018

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced that Melbourne corporate figure Genevieve Overell has been appointed the new Chairman of Victorian Opera.

Established in 2005, Victorian Opera has developed a reputation for reshaping opera and opening up access to the art form for new audiences. More than 30,000 people now attend Victorian Opera performances, workshops and community programs each year.

Ms Overell has 25 years’ experience advising major corporate and government projects and initiatives, holding board roles across the health, professional services, property and construction, government and not-for-profit sectors.

She is the Director of Government Advisory at Deutsche Bank in Australia, and Chairman of the Victorian Government’s State Revenue Office Audit Committee. She serves on the boards of the Australian Institute of Architects and Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Previously, Ms Overell was Head of Environment at the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority following the Black Saturday bushfires. In 2005-2007, she was Deputy Secretary, Built Environment, the government’s most senior planning, building, and heritage role.

Prior to joining the public sector, Ms Overell was a partner at KPMG, advising on a number of Victoria’s major infrastructure projects and served on the firm’s Arts Committee, actively promoting engagement with Melbourne’s leading arts companies.

The 2016 National Opera Review recognised the success of the company, recommending that it be classified as a major performing arts company by the Australia Council for the Arts, alongside national leaders such as The Australian Ballet and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Ms Overell takes on the role following the retirement of Jane Hemstritch, who joined the board of directors in 2010 and was appointed Chair in 2013. Ms Hemstritch led the board during a period of unprecedented success, and leaves the company as a significant force in Australian performing arts.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley

“Victorian Opera is a performing arts leader and a great success story of our creative state. A big part of this success is due to Jane Hemstritch, and we thank her for her extraordinary work.”

Genevieve Overell is being passed the baton at a very exciting time for Victorian Opera, which will soon be joining the Australian Major Performing Arts Group, alongside other world-class performing arts companies.”

“With a lifelong passion for the performing arts, Ms Overell is an ideal fit as the company moves into its next phase.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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