Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Appoints New CEO

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has appointed a new chief executive officer, Jesse Matheson.

Matheson has been a part of the leadership team for several years, having served as a board member from 2017-2022, co-chair through the Covid pandemic, a director of Sydney WorldPride, company secretary, and most recently, as interim CEO.

He brings extensive experience across community engagement, cultural transformation, and organisational leadership to the role, with a career spanning the not-for-profit, arts, and public sectors.

As the organisation prepares for its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2028, Matheson’s official appointment comes during a period of renewal and stability. Under his leadership, Mardi Gras has already taken meaningful steps toward becoming a more modern and future-ready organisation.

This includes the launch of the year-round Mardi Gras app, and a refreshed visual identity designed to bring greater clarity, vibrancy, and inclusivity to how the organisation presents itself to the community and its partners.

Matheson will focus on strengthening trust, deepening community engagement and delivering a 2026 festival program that honours almost five decades of activism, creativity and pride, while shaping the next chapter of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Australia. Then in 2028, Mardi Gras will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

He said it is an honour to lead the organisation, especially as it approaches the milestone.

“This festival exists because hundreds of thousands of people – volunteers, members, queer businesses, community, and our incredible Mardi Gras team – have poured their energy, creativity and courage into building something bigger, louder and braver than any one of us,” he said.

“My priority is to strengthen how we connect, create and care for each other, and to shape a Mardi Gras that is inclusive, innovative and ready for the future. I look forward to working with the board, the Mardi Gras team and our community to bring this vision to life.”

The Mardi Gras board expressed its strong confidence in his leadership and vision, noting that his appointment marks a clear commitment to long-term organisational strength, cultural impact and the future of Mardi Gras.

Co-chairs of the board, Mits Delisle and Kathy Pavlich, said: “Throughout his time as interim CEO, Jesse has demonstrated calm leadership, strong organisational stewardship and a deep commitment to our communities. As we approach our 50th anniversary, the board is confident that Jesse brings the strategic focus, collaborative style and clarity of vision needed to guide Mardi Gras into its next chapter.

“We look forward to working closely with him to realise this next phase of growth and renewal.”