Geoff Donaghy bids farewell to his role as ICC Sydney Chief Executive

This month, Geoff Donaghy steps down from his full-time role as Chief Executive of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC). His extraordinary 30-year career at ASM Global, sees Donaghy leave behind a legacy that will last well beyond his departure. 

Throughout the month, Donaghy has been honoured by his team at ICC Sydney and ASM Global, business leaders, influencers and community organisations from across Sydney and New South Wales as well as the business events industry globally through events and recorded tributes.               

ICC Sydney's team has also honoured Donaghy’s legacy by creating the ‘Geoff Donaghy Leadership Award’ category in the internal Extraordinaires Awards program.  

Donaghy started his career as a school teacher who then moved to the tourism sector through airline and then hotel industry roles, before being appointed General Manager of the Tourism Tropical North Queensland (tourism and convention) bureau in 1989, during the region’s time of high visitation growth.

He joined today’s ASM Global in 1994 to open the Cairns Convention Centre and champion the benefits of business events for the region. In June 2003, he moved to Brisbane to lead the opening of Suncorp Stadum as Chief Executive.   

Under his steady direction, Donaghy curated the team that would eventually open International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) in December 2016.

Over the years of his illustrious career, Donaghy forged his path with determination, an unshakeable work ethic and commitment to make a difference - earning a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in the business events industry. From the highs of opening the venue and hosting some of the world’s most prestigious events to the lows of COVID-19, Donaghy’s leadership and his commitment to clear communication and guidance has remained constant.   

Under his stewardship, ICC Sydney’s team delivered over 3,665 events that attracted 6.4 million visitors who contributed A$3.9 billion in economic benefit to the local economy to date. Across his time at the helm of ICC Sydney, he and his team have received 95 industry awards, achieved an average delegate satisfaction rating of 97.4% and 98.2% client satisfaction rating.   

Donaghy’s team secured and operated events that have delivered almost A$4 billion in economic impact for the state, and he recently stated “beyond the significant impact driven by ICC Sydney’s role as economic infrastructure, I look back on my time at ICC Sydney and beyond as part of the ASM Global network with pride – working to inspire our team to live up to our mission to make a difference – for one another, our clients, community and the planet.”

ICC Sydney was the first convention centre to release a Reconciliation Action Plan and a Disability Inclusion Action Plan, reach Silver Tier status in Pride in Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index, amongst other leading campaigns such as its Feeding your Performance philosophy and client Legacy Program.

A snapshot of tributes to Geoff Donaghy on his illustrious career: 

Harvey Lister AM, Chairman and Chief Executive, ASM Global (APAC)
“On behalf of ASM Global, we thank Geoff for his outstanding dedication to the company and our people during his more than 30 years of service. Under his steady direction, Geoff led the team that would eventually open International Convention Centre Sydney in December 2016, which is now arguably one of the world’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment centres."

Anita Mitchell, Chief Executive at Placemaking New South Wales
“We thank Geoff for his 10 year tenure leading Australia’s premier entertainment, convention and exhibition venue. ICC Sydney is the centrepiece of the $3.4 billion revitalisation of Darling Harbour and underpins Sydney’s reputation as a world class destination offering industry leading event, entertainment and cultural experiences. ICC Sydney is also the NSW Government’s best performing asset – contributing A$3.9 billion to the local economy through delegate expenditure since opening. Under Geoff’s leadership, ICC Sydney has delivered more than 3,600 events, including 500 delivered in FY23 and welcomed 6.4 million visitors through its doors since opening in December 2016. He has also fostered a culture of care, encouraging his team to make a difference for our local communities through many worthy campaigns including Reconciliation, NSW First procurement, Disability Inclusion, and Pride in Diversity.”  

Lyn Lewis Smith, Chief Executive, BESydney
“Bringing his decades of rich experience opening major venues around the world to Sydney 10 years ago, Geoff’s contribution to the establishment of International Convention Centre Sydney has shaped Sydney into an elite global city capable of hosting the world’s most influential meetings, conferences and exhibitions. Through Geoff’s leadership, ICC Sydney's incredibly talented venue team is best placed to welcome the world’s best thinkers, policy-makers, industry and business leaders and drive the innovations and solutions of our future.  We are ever-grateful for the years of successful collaboration and partnership with Geoff as together we have built a formidable platform to showcase Sydney on the global stage.”    

Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director, Business Sydney
“Geoff Donaghy’s career contribution stands out as a beacon of leadership, innovation and industry collaboration. He is a Sydney ambassador in every sense of the word, and our Business Sydney team was honoured to present him with the inaugural 'Sydney Champion' award, in recognition of his great contribution to Sydney as the premier global city in the Asia Pacific region.”  

Michael Rose AM, Chairman, Committee for Sydney
“Geoff has been a genuine civic leader, elevating Sydney’s profile as a global city and business destination. His vision for ICC Sydney has been to welcome the world to Sydney and to provide a window to our city and State. Under Geoff’s leadership, every aspect of ICC Sydney has demonstrated what an open, smart, diverse and vibrant place we live in. Throughout his tenure Geoff has been a pleasure to work with, a model of thoughtful leadership, a champion for the city and regions, a driver of diversity and inclusion, and a generous host to millions.”   

Margy Osmond, Chief Executive, Tourism and Transport Forum
“ICC Sydney has earned an unparalleled reputation as a leader in the tourism and business events industries due in large part to Geoff Donaghy’s steadfast leadership and commitment to innovation, advocacy and collaboration. Geoff’s contribution is expansive as he has been instrumental in establishing ICC Sydney as a destination of choice for event organisers from around the world. Beyond his team’s world class event delivery, Geoff’s legacy has been to ensure that ICC Sydney fulfills its mission to make a difference to the community through his commitment to Reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations Peoples, championing of the venue’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, and industry leading event Legacy Program. Beyond his remarkable professional contribution Geoff is also without doubt one of the true gentlemen of our industry showing great kindness and support to colleagues throughout the sector.”   

Peter King, Chair, Australian Business Events Association
“Over the many years I have known Geoff, he has consistently stood out to me as a beacon of leadership, innovation and industry collaboration. He has been instrumental in elevating the organised events industry on a local, regional, and global level – in particular, his steady leadership demonstrated during the recent COVID-19 pandemic impacted years has been critical in the business events sector’s recovery and rebound. Geoff’s reputation is world renowned not only for the successful establishment and operation of major venues but moreover as he is the ultimate professional who exhibits great empathy, integrity and a steadfast commitment to ‘making a difference’ to the community. I thank him for the legacy he created and importantly his friendship.”   

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Image. Geoff Donaghy Chief Executive of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC)