Meet the Leadership Team

Brisbane Economic Development Agency's (BEDA) Leadership Team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organisation.

Anthony Ryan, Chief Executive Officer

Anthony Ryan is BEDA’s Chief Executive Officer.

Recognised as a ‘Queensland Great’ in 2013, Anthony is a well-respected and self-confessed sport loving local who is known for the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that he brings to all professional endeavours.

An inspiring leader with a proven track record in delivering strategic business outcomes and strong partnerships, Anthony is responsible for leading BEDA to drive sustainable economic growth for the City.

As Brisbane’s champion, BEDA works with stakeholders to enhance the City’s reputation globally, drive visitation and attract investment and talent, whilst looking ahead at emerging opportunities for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Previously CEO of Youngcare, Anthony pioneered the transformation of the national not-for-profit organisation into an innovative and entrepreneurial company that provides meaningful solutions and choices for young people with high physical care needs.

Juliet Alabaster, Chief Operating Officer

Juliet is a distinguished tourism and economic development leader. Beginning her career in events and hospitality, she joined Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) in 2008 and served in several senior business and event attraction roles before being appointed Chief Operating Officer three years ago.

Juliet oversees BEDA’s operations and administration, developing and implementing whole-of-business strategies and partnerships which have seen Brisbane attract record investment, visitation, and business growth in recent years. She was instrumental in delivering The Visitor Economy 2031: Vision for the Brisbane Region, implemented the city’s first International Incentives Strategy, and led efforts to successfully secure several major events that now form part of Brisbane’s annual social calendar.

With a strategic mindset and a deep passion for innovation, Juliet has played a pivotal role in shaping the local economic landscape. Under her leadership, BEDA has become a promotional powerhouse for the city, running sophisticated business growth, investment attraction and major event campaigns to support Brisbane’s global development and connectivity. Juliet’s ability to forge strong partnerships across government, industry, and community sectors has been critical in advancing Brisbane's economic agenda.

Juliet is a Non-Executive Director of City Parklands Services, Non-Executive Director of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Deputy Chair of the Queensland Regional Tourism Network

Jon Kritzinger, Chief Financial Officer

BEDA's Chief Financial Officer, Jon Kritzinger, is responsible for financial management, information technology, risk management, corporate administration and insurance. 

A Chartered Accountant with more than 16 years' experience in management accounting and financial management has a strong background working in medium-sized companies, with particular expertise in the manufacturing and retail construction sectors. 

Jon has held a number of directorships on various divisional boards and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia

Lorelle Chittick, General Manager Tourism, Business & Major Events

Lorelle Chittick is the General Manager of Tourism, Business and Major Events with BEDA. In this role, Lorelle leads a team generating long-term economic growth for Brisbane through the attraction and support of meetings, conferences and incentives; major events including sporting blockbusters, cultural performances and exhibitions, and increasing visitors and visitor spend in Brisbane. 

Lorelle has a strong conventions, tourism and events background, having worked across a diverse range of organisations in the UK, Canada and Australia. Working with BEDA since 2005, Lorelle has been instrumental in raising Brisbane’s profile as a world-class destination to visit, meet and do business.

Abigail Chambers, General Manager Human Resources

Abigail Chambers is a strategic human resources professional who leads BEDA’s workforce relations division.

With a successful international career spanning more than two decades across a number of industries, including economic development, banking, resources, engineering and health, Abigail brings a high-level and strategic approach to her role as General Manager - Human Resources.

Abigail is an active member of the Australian Human Resource Institute, and provides strategic guidance and expertise in industrial relations, corporate culture and change management, workplace diversity and inclusivity, global best-practice recruitment, and integrating communications into corporate business.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Abigail joined BEDA in 2018.

Callum Wood, General Manager Marketing

Callum Wood is an accomplished marketing professional who leads BEDA’s Marketing team and champions the Brisbane destination brand globally.

With a focus on driving economic growth, Callum leads a diverse team of marketing and placemaking professionals to develop and execute impactful marketing strategies across diverse sectors and audiences.

From tourism and major events, to business growth, trade, and investment, Callum manages the Brisbane destination brand holistically, both domestically and internationally.

Prior to joining BEDA, Callum held several destination and event marketing roles across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including City Marketing Manager for the City of Melbourne. Callum holds an MBA with a focus on marketing and brand management. He is also admitted as an Australian Lawyer.

Dr John Cowie, General Manager Investment Attraction

Dr John Cowie is the General Manager of Investment Attraction at BEDA. In this role, John leads an experienced team to drive investment demand for the city in domestic and international markets, showcasing a city that is alive with opportunity and supporting potential investors and businesses with full market entry and expansion strategies. 

John has two decades of experience in economic development and city planning and a PhD in Economics. He is passionate about data-driven insights and driving sustainable economic growth for Brisbane. 

Rhys Watkins, General Manager Industry Engagement

As General Manager of BEDA’s Industry Engagement team, Rhys Watkins is passionate about helping Brisbane businesses to connect, scale and succeed.

Rhys leads an innovative and integrated approach to BEDA’s commercial and strategic partnerships, corporate events and awards, Brisbane Business Hub and corporate communications, with the team focused on fostering strong professional relationships that create value for BEDA and our stakeholders, driving sustainable economic growth for the city.

Rhys has more than 25 years of senior sales, marketing and commercial partnerships experience, having worked across several industry sectors including sport, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), mining, agri-business, consumer retail, arts and entertainment.