Splendour in the Grass co-founder Jessica Ducrou exits Secret Sounds

Jessica Ducrou, co-founder of the Splendour in the Grass music festival and co-Chief Executive of the Secret Sounds entertainment brand, has announced her departure from the company she helped create eight years ago.

Secret Sounds Group, a division of Live Nation, is also behind the long-running the Falls Festival, new Adelaide festival Harvest Rock, as well as Secret Sounds Touring, Village Sounds booking agency, Brisbane venue The Triffid and the Secret Sounds Connect commercial rights and creative agency.

However, changing preferences among youth and music audiences saw this year’s Splendour In The Grass cancelled just six days after tickets went on sale while the Falls Festival is on hiatus to "rest, recover and recalibrate".

In a statement announcing her departure, Ducrou advised "so many memorable moments over the last almost decade with Secret Sounds, what a wild ride it's been.

"I'm well due for an overseas summer holiday so it's a good time to take a break before I embark on my next chapter.

"It has been an epic journey that has been truly inspiring, and an opportunity to collaborate with the best in the business. It would not have been as rewarding, possible or enjoyable if it weren't for the people I have worked alongside of."

Ducrou also acknowledged her long-term business partner, Paul Piticco, with whom she launched Splendour In The Grass in 2001.

The pair merged their companies to co-found Secret Sounds in 2016, although Ducrou and Piticco's partnership dates back to the late 90s, when Ducrou became the booking agent for the Piticco managed Powderfinger.

Ducrou noted "Paul Piticco has been a great business partner for more than 30 years and we will no doubt continue our friendship well into the future.”

She went on to say "I wish all at Secret Sounds and Live Nation the very best success in their future endeavours.”

Ducrou will continue her roles as Chair of music body SoundNSW and Deputy Chair of the Australian Festivals Association.

Earlier this year, a new report into the music festival sector by Creative Australia found more than one-third of Australian music festivals are losing money as they face skyrocketing operational costs and dwindling younger audiences.

Image: Jessica Ducrou. Credit: Secret Sounds/Splendour In The Grass.