Introducing our specialist team …
Anna Rooke – CEO
Anna brings a wealth of experience in commercialisation support. Prior to moving to Australia, Anna worked for more than 10 years supporting the growth of bioscience, creative, digital and arts based businesses in the United Kingdom.
Anna was responsible for the strategic and operational development of the UK’s first national ‘Science City’ in which 2,700 new employment opportunities and 70 start-up companies were created. She also created the first dedicated $1 million proof of principle fund in Yorkshire to enable creative entrepreneurs to explore the potential of their business venture.
Anna’s goal is to help develop a healthy and expanding creative industries sector in Australia, with QUT’s Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA) being at the centre of the country’s business support and knowledge transfer networks.
Joanne Kenny – Film and TV Industry Adviser
For someone who started in the film industry by driving a high-ranking Coca-Cola executive around in a tarago van, Joanne Kenny can be justly proud of what she has achieved in her career.
After 20 years in the industry and having worked with some of entertainment’s greats, Joanne has found her true cause in helping to grow Queensland’s future film and television production talent.
Through her work, Joanne aims to assist young people to find their inspiration and achieve their dreams while identifying and nurturing talent early.
Cynthia Macnee – Client Services and Operations Manager
Cynthia has more than 20 years operational and management experience working in the creative arts and entertainment industries. Her experience ranges from live television productions in New York to regional arts and cultural development in New Zealand and Australia.
She has a breadth of experience supporting the development of creative industries and has a portfolio including film and video production, policy writing, community consultation, public arts management, sponsorship planning, marketing and events.
Paul Bow – Fashion Incubator Business Development Manager
Paul brings to the QUT Creative Enterprise team 20 years of experience, working for some of the worlds leading lifestyle brands in product development, marketing, sales & distribution. Most recently as Managing Director of a consulting company providing services to the fashion, surf, skate & street wear sectors.
Prior to this, Paul worked for Billabong International Ltd. as General Manager of a portfolio of brands including Von Zipper, Element & Nixon. These brands represent a diverse range of products, urban youth fashion, surf wear, eyewear, watches, footwear & skate, snow & surf hardware.
Paul has an extensive fashion business background – an asset which is crucial in helping designers build successful labels that can be launched into domestic and international markets. He is passionate about developing Australia’s design talent and the industry as a whole, and has a track record of successfully integrating and growing brands and labels across the country and the world.
Jaimie Langton – Fashion Incubator Production Coordinator
Jaimie Langton’s diverse fashion industry experience has placed her in good stead for the role of Production Coordinator at CEA Fashion Incubator. As an established industry professional, Jaimie offers members a blend of solid business knowledge and practical support.
Having worked in the industry for more than twelve years, Jaimie is well aware of the challenges and pitfalls faced by today’s designers, and is passionate about supporting those trying to make their mark in the highly competitive industry.
Jaimie considers it important to nurture up-and-coming businesses as it can often be difficult to carve a future without structured support and advice.
Jaimie has worked in production teams for a number of notable labels including Esprit, and Lifestyle Australia. Her list of credentials also includes production managers for Dogstar and Sacha Drake. As such, Jaimie has extensive knowledge and practical experience in all areas of fashion production and an established reputation with local and offshore suppliers and contractors. Her skill set also lies in product development, merchandising and wholesaling. It all comes down to a love for the textile, footwear and clothing industry.
Nicole Kielly-Coleman – Creative Industries Transition Industry Liaison Officer
Nicole is an accomplished event and relationship manager and administrator.
With 12 years experience in the hospitality industry in a variety of roles including Executive Assistant, Event Manager and managing a hotel apartment complex, Nicole has a range of planning skills which were originally honed in the legal field.
Nicole also has experience in the not-for-profit sector in community business partnerships. Previously, she was responsible for the management of events and development of corporate and community partnerships for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Now, Nicole co-ordinates QUT Creative Industries Transitions Program providing students with internship opportunities. In this role, she works with, amongst others, our clients to develop partnerships for the program. Nicole supports our team in event management, website administration and client communications.
Cara Threlfall – Administration Officer
Cara joined us in January 2010 and has a wealth of office management and administration experience in a variety of fields including the financial and not-for-profit sectors.
Cara provides essential administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer, Operations Manager and client businesses for CEA. She also co-ordinates and supports the operations including reception and administrative tasks, financial processing, and building and customer management.
