David Etherton announces the end of his time as VenuesWest CEO

After 18 years leading VenuesWest, Chief Executive Officer David Etherton has announced he will retire from executive roles when his current contract ends in May 2026, advising the Board he is embarking on a non-executive career.

The search is now underway for a successor to guide VenuesWest into its next exciting phase of growth within Western Australia’s sport and entertainment industry.

Click here to view the opening on the Jobs WA website.

Mr Etherton has steered VenuesWest through a defining and at times challenging period, overseeing the expansion of its portfolio from four venues to 14. His leadership has been central to major investment in sport and entertainment across WA, while he also guided the organisation through the Covid pandemic, providing stability and resilience despite the limitations on mass gatherings.

The impact of his contribution was recognised in 2023 with a Public Service Medal, and earlier this year with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Venue Management Association.

Reflecting on his time at VenuesWest, Mr Etherton said he was proud of the opportunities created for West Australians.

“It’s been the greatest honour of my professional life to lead VenuesWest,” Mr Etherton said.

“We have more than six million annual patron visits across our 14 venues. We regularly host global superstars like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, we’ve broken national revenue records with UFC at RAC Arena, seen women’s sport capture the national imagination at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and delivered once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the AFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium in 2021.”

“This growth has come through massive investment by the WA Government, the amazing dedication of our staff, delivery by our partners and the resilience of our organisation, highlighted by how we navigated the Covid pandemic and its wide-ranging impacts on our venues.”

With just over six months left in his tenure, Mr Etherton feels some of his most important work is still to come. This includes supporting the recruitment process by inducting the next person who will lead the organisation.

“I honestly believe that being CEO of VenuesWest is one of the best jobs in Australia,” he said.

“As proud as I am of what has been achieved in the past 18 years, the next two decades will eclipse anything from my time in charge. The seeds for that growth are being planted right now.

“This role has been advertised only once in the past 35 years. It’s a rare opportunity to lead one of Australia’s most dynamic organisations in sport and entertainment, alongside the most dedicated and committed staff and partners you could hope for.

“It’s a dream job, and I look forward to handing over the key insights I’ve gained in the role to ensure the next chapter for VenuesWest is even brighter.”

Mr Etherton was thankful to the many people who have supported him through his time at VenuesWest.

“I want to sincerely thank the Board of VenuesWest for the support I have received over many years, starting with the Board chaired by Graham Partridge who took a risk on an unproven CEO all those years ago.  I also want to thank Richard Muirhead, Graham Goerke and Mary Anne Stephens for being amazing Board members and outstanding Chairs.

“I have also had the pleasure of working with some amazing Ministers and Premiers over the years.

“Roles as busy as this one are made so much easier with a supportive family. To Sonja, Tyler, Dior, Cooper, Dimity and Jayce, thank you so much for your support. I look forward to having a little more time soon to spend with you.

“Finally, the staff at VenuesWest are amazing to work with. Each and every day I am energised by this group of dedicated and committed professionals who are aligned with what we want to achieve. This is what I will miss most when I leave VenuesWest.”

VenuesWest Chair Mary Anne Stephens paid tribute to Mr Etherton’s legacy.

“David’s vision, resilience and commitment have positioned VenuesWest at the forefront of Australia’s sport and entertainment sector.

“His contribution over nearly two decades has been extraordinary, and his legacy will continue to benefit VenuesWest and Western Australia for many years to come.

“It’s a journey that I hope will inspire outstanding candidates to apply for the CEO role. Much has been achieved in the past 18 years, and we expect the next phase to be equally transformative.”