Senior executive Leisa Bacon has been named the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Bacon joins the Brisbane University from Creative Australia, where she is executive director, partnerships and development.
With more than 25 years of experience across strategy, marketing, research and partnerships, Ms Bacon has led teams in both corporate and government sectors.
Passionate about people and culture, she worked for a decade as audience director at the ABC, recognised as Australia’s most trusted media organisation.
Prior to the ABC, Bacon held senior roles spanning consumer products, health sectors and the arts including at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Procter & Gamble and The Coca-Cola Company.
She was named as Australia’s number one CMO in the 2020 CMO 50 Awards and has a Bachelor and Master of Business from QUT.
A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Ms Bacon has also completed executive studies in Design Thinking at Stanford University, Leading Change at Harvard Business School, the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and The Marketing Academy Fellowship.
She currently sits on the boards of the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), Legs on the Wall (a physical theatre company) and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
Bacon said she was looking forward to joining the team at QUT. “I am very excited to be returning to my home state of Queensland and favourite city, Brisbane, at such an exciting time of growth,” she said.
“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.”
Bacon will report to Lara McKay, vice-president (engagement), who provides managerial oversight and leadership to the QUT Engagement Portfolio encompassing Alumni and Engagement, Communications and Government Relations, and Marketing and Student Recruitment.
The Engagement Portfolio plays a pivotal role in enhancing the university’s profile through strategic communication and meaningful connections.
It drives engagement, attracts students, and builds partnerships with government, research and industry sectors across Australia and internationally.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have attracted Leisa to join the team at QUT,” McKay said. “Leisa has her own personal story about QUT’s real-world focus which she acknowledges helped kickstart her amazing career.
“Leisa’s experience is exemplary and having such a depth of experience across FMCG, media and cultural organisations will benefit QUT as we not only continue to position ourselves as a brilliant institution for teaching and research, but as we double down on our strength as an industry partner in the lead up to the biggest global event Brisbane has ever seen in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games”.
Bacon will commence at QUT in January 2026.
