Louise Herron became CEO of the Sydney Opera House in 2012, the first woman appointed to the role, after 10 years working in investment banking and serving as chair of Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre.

Since 2013, Louise has led development of the Opera House’s Renewal program to ensure this World Heritage-listed icon and one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres meets the needs and expectations of 21st-century artists, audiences and visitors.

Renewal includes more than $270 million in capital works to upgrade performance halls and open new spaces to the public, as well as improving the artistic and visitor experiences for the Opera House’s 8.2 million annual visitors and the 1.5 million people who attend a performance each year.