Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority announce new board and CEO

Stephen Conry AM (Chairperson)

With over 40 years’ experience in executive positions in the property industry in Australia and globally, Stephen Conry was recently appointed Chair of the Charter Hall Group Board. 

Stephen is the former Chief Executive Officer of JLL (formerly Jones Lang LaSalle), Australia’s largest commercial property services firm, retiring from the business in 2022 after a 40 year career. He was a director of the firm for 33 years, including 22 years as an International Director and over 13 years as CEO for Australia and New Zealand. 

Stephen has held Non-Executive Director roles with numerous business, government and community boards, including the Property Council of Australia where he was National President from 2019 to 2021. Stephen is currently Chairman of private investment company Langdon Capital Pty Ltd, a member of the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal, a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute, a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In June 2019 Stephen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the Australian commercial property sector and the community.

Jamie Fitzpatrick

Jamie Fitzpatrick is a highly respected leader in North Queensland, with over 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, tourism, and events. As the Managing Director of FGH Group, he oversees a portfolio of hospitality and accommodation businesses in North Queensland, reflecting his deep commitment to the region’s economic and cultural vibrancy.

Renowned for his visionary leadership, Jamie has been instrumental in shaping Townsville’s dynamic events calendar. As a Board Director of Townsville Enterprise he has collaborated with key stakeholders to secure and deliver landmark events. His strategic guidance has cemented Townsville’s reputation as a premier events destination, driving economic growth and regional pride. 

Jamie has held a number of Managing and Non-executive Director roles including current Board Director of Townsville Enterprise and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jamie’s strong regional networks and business acumen position him as a leader who not only elevates North Queensland’s profile but also inspires innovation and collaboration across the sector. Jamie remains a strong advocate for investment into regional Queensland.

Jess Caire

Jess Caire has forged a career driving innovation and engagement within the property sector. As Executive Director of the Queensland Division of the Property Council of Australia, Ms Caire works with the Queensland property industry to deliver genuine benefits across Queensland, including delivering an enduring legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Games. 

Versed in strategy, engagement and advocacy, Jess has played an active role in working with the property sector to identify and advocate for the infrastructure needed to support Queensland's liveability and economic future. 

A well-respected leader, known for her passion to deliver positive impactful outcomes through a collaborative and authentic approach, Jess previously served as Deputy Executive Director of the Property Council for two and a half years, prior to stepping into the Executive Director role.  

Previously, Jess was the Executive Manager, Stakeholder Engagement at Property Exchange Australia (PEXA), driving key policy reform to enable digital transformation in the property sector. As a former business owner in consulting and conveyancing, Jess also brings a hands-on understanding of industry dynamics and the needs of professionals across the property landscape. 

Tony Cochrane AM

Tony Cochrane is an experienced director and Chair, working for over 45 years within the sporting, events and entertainment industry. Setting the vision and strategy for successful global events, he is recognised as an innovator and tenacious leader, scaling a number of modest investment start-ups into profitable international brands. Known as the founding father of the ‘modern era’ in motor sport in Australia, Tony ignited and guided the growth of V8 Supercars into a top international category in China, the Middle East and the USA.

Tony has extensive experience in specialist event delivery for large scale events as well as providing consultancy and advice to various sporting organisations. As director of Cochrane Entertainment, he has provided expert advice to governments in Australia and internationally on a range of projects including the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) and major event strategies. Among those was the successful delivery during Covid of the AFL Grand Final to Brisbane. 

Previously, Tony has held executive positions and Directorships within IMG, Sports and Entertainment Ltd (SEL), V8 Supercars, International Entertainment Consulting, and SX Global (formerly AUS-X). Tony was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 and has also received a Tony and ARIA awards for his work in the entertainment industry. 

Laurence Lancini AM

Laurence Lancini is the founder and Executive Chairman of Lancini Property Group. Starting as a home builder in Townville over 40 years ago, Laurence has overseen the company’s expansion into all aspects of construction and property development across Queensland, including delivery of several retail shopping centers in Townsville, Mackay, Cairns, Yeppoon and Brisbane. Laurence oversees a diverse portfolio that also includes commercial offices, large format retail centers and industrial properties. 

Laurence previously served as President of the Queensland Division of the Property Council of Australia, on the National Board of the Property Council of Australia for two years, and on the Queensland Divisional Council for 10 years. 

Laurence is a lifetime member of the Cowboys Leagues Club Limited and the Cowboys Rugby League Football Limited and played a significant role in shaping these organisations as Director and Chairman between 2000 – 2013 and 2003 – 2020, respectively. In 2019, Laurence was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to rugby league and the North Queensland community. 

Jill Davies

Jill Davies has 28 years’ experience in securing, planning and delivering Olympic and Paralympic Games across five continents and multiple cities, including Sydney 2000, and has been involved with each subsequent edition of the Games. Jill has been an adviser to the International Olympic Committee on governance and brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the structure of the Olympic Coordination Authority in Sydney and the Olympic Delivery Authority in London. She served for eight years as a board member of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

During the readiness program for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Jill worked with each of the venue teams and has a current understanding of the specific requirements of Games venues and villages and the importance of the underlying master plan. She is passionate about legacy alignment and holds the relevant skills to align Games outcomes to the long-term economic, social, environmental, planning and tourism legacy objectives of host cities. 

Jill has also overseen major infrastructure projects and has extensive experience in stakeholder management and connecting with all levels of government. Until recently, Jill held the position of Vice President at Athletics Australia, the national governing body for the sport of athletics in Australia. 

Jill is a Chartered Accountant and, among other qualifications, holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Sydney.

Sue Johnson

Sue Johnson is a highly accomplished executive with over 20 years’ experience developing, funding, constructing, and operating complex legacy infrastructure that is instrumental in driving sustainable economic growth. She brings deep experience in strategy and governance, including all aspects of Public Private Partnerships.  

In her most recent role, Sue was the Group Executive, Queensland for the Transurban Group, a large scale ASX-listed company, where she was responsible for the operation and development of Brisbane’s toll road and tunnel network. She is known for her values driven leadership and focus on community and customer engagement and experience. Sue has held a number of positions on Boards and Advisory Boards, including Transurban Queensland and the Committee for Brisbane.

She is passionate about innovation and advancing Queensland for future generations and has a longstanding commitment to community, not-for-profit initiatives and sustainability.  

Sue has completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program, a Bachelor of Business, a Bachelor of Science and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

David Hourigan (Authority Interim CEO)

David Hourigan joins the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (the Authority) in late 2024 after his role as the Chief Safety and Productivity Officer at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). This position leads the development of strategic policy, vehicle standards, and economic and supply chain advice for heavy vehicles. It also delivers strategies to optimise productivity across the sector while constantly improving safety performance.

David has a long history in strategic policy, service delivery, safety regulation, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining the NHVR, he was the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Publications at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides. He has also held the position of Safety Director (CEO) of Transport Safety Victoria – the independent regulator for the maritime, rail and bus sectors.

Previous to these positions, he spent 25 years in the Queensland State Government, including the roles of: Deputy Director-General, Policy Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC); Executive-Director, Economic Policy, DPC; Executive-Director, Passenger Transport Division, Department of Transport and Main Roads; and Director, Transport Policy Office, Queensland Transport.