Education Leader Joins Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust

Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chair, The Hon. John Brumby AO announced Ms Sujata Stead’s appointment today to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust.

Ms Sujata Stead is the founding CEO of Occupational English Test (OET), which provides healthcare professionals with proof of English proficiency and clinical communication skills so they can study and work in the sector.

Ms Stead has built the organisation into a global leader in healthcare English assessment, delivering OET in over 150 countries. OET has won several awards, including the Governor of Victoria Export Awards in both 2021 and 2022 and was ranked 38 in the Australian Financial Review fastest-growing companies in Australia in 2020.

Ms Stead’s appointment will further strengthen the expertise of the Trust and follows the departure of Mr Jonathan Metcalfe in March after an outstanding contribution over the course of his tenure.

Jonathan was appointed to the Trust in July 2013 and served on various committees during his tenure. He played a key role in the business’ COVID response, providing input on employee engagement, wellbeing and safety, as well as supporting MCEC’s innovation journey during this time.

“I'm pleased to appoint Sujata to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust. Her extensive experience makes her an excellent choice to join the Trust and champion the future of the Melbourne and Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centres,” says the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.

“I’d also like to thank Jonathan for his leadership and his work to cement Victoria’s reputation as a premier global destination for events.”

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust are responsible for the management of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the soon-to-be built Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, set to be a major driver of jobs and economic growth for the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding areas.

MCEC is a major contributor to Victoria’s economy, generating more than $1 billion in economic contribution in the year prior to the pandemic and playing an important role in representing Victoria on the global stage.

“Sujata has significant leadership experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Trust, increasing MCEC’s reputation as a world-leading events destination,” says the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust Chair The Hon. John Brumby AO. “I would also like to acknowledge the integral role Jonathan has played and extend my sincere thanks for his contribution to the Trust over the years.”