Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook in shock decision to step down

Article posted by Coliseum, October 15^th, 2026

Image: Australian Olympic Committee

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee chief executive Cindy Hook has made the surprise decision to leave her role at the end of her current four-year contract.

The Morung Express said Hook’s contract ends in December and that she will now end her tenure despite previously indicating she would lead the committee through to 2032.

The surprise announcement came just a week after Brisbane 2032 unveiled its official Olympic and Paralympic emblems and marks a significant leadership change less than six years before the Games.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic organising committee will now begin an international search for someone to fill the role, with a new appointment expected to be announced in the coming months.

The committee said Hook, 62, has made the decision, accepted by the Organising Committee Board, that the time was right to pass the baton to a new leader.

It was made to ensure a smooth transition just over a year ahead of the LA28 Games and as Brisbane 2032 moves from its initial planning and capability building phase into the next critical phase of operations, project and event delivery.

Hook, a former longtime boss at Deloitte, said in a statement, “As CEO, I am proud to have built the organization from the ground up, set the Games Vision and Games Plan, designed and executed a clear strategy, created the brand narrative and launched incredible emblems, and driven early market momentum.

“The foundations for success have been well laid. This is the right time to hand over to a new CEO for the next phase.

“I know Brisbane 2032 will deliver a Games that all Australians will be proud of, and I have every confidence the team will continue what we have started with a new leader.

“I look forward to seeing the Games Vision brought to life and you can be sure I will be the greatest fan in the stands at the 2032 Games.”

As CEO of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee Hook was responsible for leading all aspects of organising the Games to create an outstanding experience for the athletes and spectators and leave a positive legacy for Brisbane, Southeast Queensland, and Australia.

Her responsibilities include Games planning; raising revenue through sponsorship, philanthropy, ticketing and merchandise; managing the operation of the venues; event security; volunteer recruitment and much more.

Ian Chesterman, President of the Australian Olympic Committee, said, “Cindy Hook has made an outstanding contribution to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games during her four years as inaugural CEO of the Organising Committee.

“She has played a pivotal role in establishing the Organising Committee and building its capabilities and international reputation. Her leadership has laid strong foundations for the successful delivery of the Games in 2032.

“Cindy has been a valued and supportive partner to the Australian Olympic Committee as host National Olympic Committee. She has understood the importance of delivering not only a successful Games, but also a lasting legacy for the Olympic Movement in Australia. She has shared our commitment to putting athletes and their experience at the heart of the Games.”

Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris called Hook an exceptional leader. “Cindy commenced when the Organising Committee was a fledgling startup and has transformed Brisbane 2032 into a thriving organisation ready to go to the next level of Games execution,” he said.

“Her focus on values, organisational excellence and strict financial and governance processes are embedded throughout a high-calibre team that she recruited, and I thank her for her great contributions,” he added.

Hook, a U.S. executive who was based in Singapore as CEO of Deloitte Asia Pacific before taking the role with the Brisbane organizing committee, was appointed in December 2022.

Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.

Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.