Brisbane 2032 venues: Former Queen’s Wharf infrastructure boss Simon Crooks to lead rollout of 17 new venues

The man who led one of the biggest projects in Brisbane’s history has been tasked with the daunting prospect of delivering 17 new and upgraded venues for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Global infrastructure boss Simon Crooks has been tapped to lead the daunting task of delivering Queensland Olympic and Paralympic Games venues.

In a major Games appointment, the state government has named the former Queen’s Wharf infrastructure boss to become chief executive officer of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority.

He will start work on August 1 and oversee the authority’s work delivering 17 new and upgraded venues across the state that will host the 2032 Games.

Mr Crooks enters the high-pressure CEO role with more than 40 years of local and global experience in major project delivery and most recently led the delivery of the Queen’s Wharf tourism and entertainment precinct.

He will start as GIICA CEO on August 1.

“I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to lead GIICA at such an exciting time for Queensland,” Mr Crooks said.

“I am looking forward to building on the work done to date, as we shift gears to delivery mode.

“There’s no bigger event on the planet than the Olympic and Paralympic Games and my focus is building a world-class legacy that all Queenslanders will be proud of for generations to come.”

Simon Crooks will start work on August 1 and oversee the authority’s work delivering 17 new and upgraded venues across the state. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

GIICA chairman Stephen Conry praised the appointment of Mr Crooks, which followed a “rigorous global executive search”.

“It marks another critical milestone in GIICA’s responsibilities as we progress delivery of vital infrastructure for Queensland,” he said.

“Simon is well regarded by industry and government.

“He understands the stakeholder engagement responsibilities inherent in the role.

“He is well qualified to maintain the critical momentum of delivery to ensure we meet our commitments to Queenslanders.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said Mr Crooks’s transparent and collaborative approach had earned respect across industry and government.

“The Crisafulli government is committed to delivering the best Games possible in 2032 and I know that Simon will lead the delivery of this legacy infrastructure on the world-stage,” he said.

“Simon has over 40 years’ experience working and leading major infrastructure projects in the UK and Queensland with runs on the board and experience of delivering infrastructure in our market conditions.”

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 venues: Former Queen’s Wharf infrastructure boss Simon Crooks to lead rollout of 17 new venues