Adelaide Fringe Commences Global Search for New CEO
The announcement comes after Heather Croall stepped down from the role after more than a decade helming one of the country’s biggest art festivals.
Image Carl Vester
The search is officially on for Adelaide Fringe’s new CEO. After longtime Director and CEO Heather Croall AM announced she would be leaving her role at the end of next year’s festival, the Adelaide Fringe committee has begun the formal recruitment process, publicly advertising the position.
Croall was in charge of Australia’s biggest arts festival for more than a decade, and her decision to leave marks a significant shift in the state’s cultural sector, allowing a new voice to shape the future of the Adelaide Fringe.
As per the press release announcing the public search, “The incoming CEO will have a unique combination of creative and commercial acumen to lead with vision, integrity and imagination. The role requires someone who understands the unique energy of the Fringe, who can champion artists, inspire partners and government, empower the team and steward the organisation with strong commercial acumen and bold strategic thinking.”
If that sounds like you, then your best bet is to contact Tony Grierson from AEGUS Executive Search at adelaidefringe@aegeus.asia or (08) 7160 2383.
Speaking on the open position, Adelaide Fringe Chair Paul Hamra said, “This is an important moment for Adelaide Fringe and a rare opportunity within the national arts landscape. Fringe is a major economic and cultural engine for South Australia, and we are looking for a leader with the vision, capability and energy to guide the organisation into its next chapter. The Board is committed to a rigorous and transparent search process and we welcome interest from exceptional candidates across Australia and internationally."
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Heather Croall AM was the driving force behind Adelaide Fringe for 11 incredible years, making her the longest serving Director and CEO in the festival’s 62-year history. Her next venture is taking up the role of Director of Carrick Hill.
Under her leadership, Adelaide Fringe has seen significant growth, generating a total expenditure of $197.7 million in 2025, with $144.2 million identified as new money injected into the state economy.
“Leading the Fringe for the past decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” expressed Croall. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate colleagues, artists, volunteers, and supporters, people whose creativity and dedication make the Fringe such an amazing, vibrant, daring and unique festival. It's a massive collaboration and together, we present something truly remarkable every year.”
Adelaide Fringe Chair, Paul Hamra, recognised that “Heather has brought the community together, supporting artists, venues, and audiences so everyone can experience the joy Fringe delivers and the state can reap the benefits.”
Those interested in the role of Adelaide Fringe CEO can contact Tony Grierson from AEGUS Executive Search at adelaidefringe@aegeus.asia or (08) 7160 2383. Adelaide Fringe 2026 will be held from 20 February to 22 March. You can keep up-to-date with everything that’s happening via the Adelaide Fringe website.
