Leading Australian Contemporary dance company, Chunky Move, has announced the appointment of Suzanne Daley as its new Executive Director.
Suzanne will join Artistic Director Antony Hamilton to form the company’s new joint leadership team, commencing in June. This appointment follows the departure of former Executive Director, Kristy Ayre, who has moved to a new role with the City of Melbourne after seven years at Chunky Move.
“Suzanne is a highly regarded, experienced and capable arts leader. We are thrilled to have her join us. She has exactly the right credentials to lead Chunky into the next stage of its evolution,” said Sally Calder, Chunky Move Chair.
“As a lifelong Melbournian, I always look forward to the latest work from Chunky Move. I am delighted to join the company and to work alongside Antony to further extend his bold artistic vision, drive forward the artform of dance, and take Chunky’s works to more audiences around Australia and the world,” said Suzanne Daley.
Suzanne’s career spans leadership roles across the Australian arts sector. She began at Live Performance Australia (LPA), leading industry policy, research, advocacy, and strategic projects.
In 2015, she joined Arts Centre Melbourne’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, risk and policy frameworks, and securing government investment for the Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne (RACM) project.
As Director of Philanthropy, she established the Imagine Anew capital campaign and led major giving initiatives supporting award-winning projects, including Asia TOPA, inclusive theatre, and technical training programs.
In June 2025, Suzanne joined Performing Lines as Interim General Manager, collaborating with independent artists to produce provocative contemporary work. She is a 2025 Hansen CEW Leader’s Program Scholar, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and has served on the Auspicious Arts Board for 15 years, including as Chair since 2024.
“I’m excited to be working alongside Suzanne, who brings a wealth of sector experience and personal enthusiasm to Chunky Move. The time is right for new energy within the company and Suzanne’s expertise will continue to drive our purpose of creating ‘genre-defying contemporary dance’ with strategic intention,” said Artistic Director Antony Hamilton.
The Board and team extend their gratitude to Michaela Coventry, who is supporting the company as interim Executive Director ahead of Suzanne’s full time start in July.
For more information about Chunky Move, visit: www.chunkymove.com for details.
Image: Suzanne Daley and Antony Hamilton – photo by Gianna Rizzo