The chair of Business Events Sydney (BESydney), professor Mary O’Kane AC has announced the appointment of Amanda Lampe (pictured) as the new chief executive officer of BESydney commencing 16 June 2025. The appointment follows a global search after current CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith announced in November 2024 she would be stepping away from her role in July 2025.
Professor O’Kane said Ms Lampe, who leaves her post as director of corporate relations at Diageo Australia, was an outstanding appointment from a strong field. “Amanda’s unique combination of private and public sector experience and connectivity with industry and government at all levels will be a great asset to BESydney as the NSW Government prepares to release its Visitor Economy Strategy vision to 2035,” she said.
“This organisation has a proud history of delivering strong economic and social impacts for Sydney and the state of New South Wales for 56 years, and the BESydney Board and team look forward to working with Amanda to capitalise on a new era of opportunity for BESydney. “Once again, I would like to thank Lyn [Lewis-Smith] for leading this company and driving transformation globally over the past 12 years, passionately advocating or Australian business, scientific and cultural achievements on the world stage.”
Lampe said she was excited to take on this new opportunity: “Sydney is one of the great global cities of the world, and we are ideally placed to continue to win more international business events. “Business events are an important driver of economic activity, job creation, lasting partnerships and social impact. I am looking forward to building on the terrific work that Lyn and the BESydney team have achieved.”
Lyn Lewis–Smith added: “I have always believed in this industry and the impact it has on the world. “It has been an absolute privilege to work with such a high performing team to secure a healthy pipeline of forward events in place, strong government and industry support, with the organisation enjoying a fiercely competitive reputation across the globe. “I have full confidence in our Executive Team working together with Amanda to continue to grow Sydney’s reputation globally and to take the organisation forward into a new era.”
Professor O’Kane said a planned transition process was now underway leading up to Ms Lewis-Smith’s departure on 30 June 2025.
