QUT ends year-long CMO vacancy with ex-ABC exec Leisa Bacon
Leisa Bacon
Queensland University of Technology has named Leisa Bacon its new chief marketing officer, filling a role that’s been vacant since late 2024.
Bacon joins from Creative Australia, where she was executive director of partnerships and development, and previously spent a decade at the ABC as director of audiences.
She replaces Xavier Amouroux, who exited in December to join the Queensland Institute of Medical Research – a month after the arrival of Lara McKay, now QUT’s vice-president of engagement.
McKay’s role was first announced in May 2024 as vice-president of engagement and CMO, though the marketing remit appears to have shifted from her title ahead of commencing the position six months later.
According to QUT, McKay now oversees marketing and student recruitment, along with alumni engagement, government relations and communications.
Bacon, who officially starts in January 2026, said she was “very excited to be returning to my home state of Queensland and favourite city, Brisbane, at such an exciting time of growth.”
QUT VP of engagement Lara McKay called Bacon ‘a major asset’
“QUT occupies a fond place in my heart; not only did I love my time there as a student, but it set me up for a great career. I look forward to working at the university to ensure many more students get this opportunity.”
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McKay said Bacon’s cross-sector experience – spanning FMCG, media and cultural organisations – would be “a major asset” as QUT builds its reputation ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Leisa’s experience is exemplary,” she added. “It will strengthen QUT’s position as both a leading university and an industry partner.”
