Cr Schrinner said Mr Ryan’s appointment as Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) new chief executive officer came after a national search attracted more than 100 high-calibre candidates.
As the chief of BEDA, Mr Ryan will be responsible for driving the respected organisation’s strong focus on creating growth and trade opportunities for local businesses and attracting a diverse range of industries to the city ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Lord Mayor congratulated Mr Ryan on his appointment and welcomed the enormous value and perspective he brings to BEDA which will help continue the organisation’s momentum.
“As a born and bred Brisbane local who brings a real passion and entrepreneurial spirit to his professional endeavours, Anthony is a great fit and will help us further cement Brisbane’s position as the most small business-friendly council in Australia,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Anthony will work closely with myself and the Deputy Mayor Krista Adams to deliver BEDA’s impressive range of high-impact growth initiatives which are helping Brisbane’s economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and driving new opportunities for local businesses which creates jobs.
“As the world’s newest city to host the Games, the attention of the world will soon turn to Brisbane so Anthony’s role recognising and delivering opportunities through his role at BEDA will be vital over the years to come.”
Mr Ryan joins BEDA following five years as CEO of Youngcare, where under his leadership the company became a nationally-recognised and respected leader in providing solutions and choices for young people with high physical support needs.
Mr Ryan’s ability to forge important relationships and build networks transformed the not-for-profit into a more innovative and entrepreneurial organisation.
BEDA Chair Paul Spiro said Mr Ryan’s record of building connections while inspiring and motivating others would be incredibly valuable in his new role.
“We were looking for a strong and proven leader who can engage and cultivate a high-performance culture, and who is a critical and influential member of the Brisbane community. We believe Anthony is that leader and the board is delighted to welcome him,” Mr Spiro said.
“With his proven ability to work with the collective to bring ideas to reality, Anthony will lead BEDA in delivering a range of programs for the city that will drive economic growth, create employment, and help local businesses navigate economic change.”
Mr Ryan said he was thrilled to be joining the BEDA team and steering the organisation through what is sure to be both exciting and challenging times ahead.
“Since the announcement of Brisbane as the host of the Games, the city has been abuzz with excitement, and while small business is still feeling the after-effects of COVID, we have a unique and very real opportunity,” Mr Ryan said.
“I know how important it will be to position the city over the next 10 years and I’m looking forward to building strong, reliable relationships with the right networks that will help BEDA and Brisbane harness the power of the collective.”
BEDA General Manager, Tourism, Business and Major Events Juliet Alabaster will remain Interim CEO until Mr Ryan will officially step into the CEO role in mid-November 2021.