Sydney Zoo has announced the appointment of Michael Kelly as CEO and Michelle Rowling as head of marketing, marking the beginning of a major growth phase for the major Sydney attraction.
Michael Kelly joins Sydney Zoo with a proven record in conservation-aligned tourism, having led Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary through significant visitation and revenue growth, expanded environmental programs, and award-winning guest experiences. He later oversaw major transformation projects for the National Trust of Queensland, including the launch of the acclaimed Astra Lumina Gold Coast, and has served on the board of the Zoo & Aquarium Association of Australasia.
Michelle Rowling, formerly Head of Sales and Marketing at Luna Park Sydney, brings more than 15 years’ experience delivering high-impact campaigns, major cultural events and brand growth across the tourism and entertainment sector. Her leadership has seen the successful rollout of large-scale destination marketing initiatives, including the sold-out 90 Years of Fun celebration and a portfolio of seasonal programs such as Lunar New Year, Eid and New Year’s Eve.
The appointments follow the recent acquisition of Sydney Zoo by Hammons Holdings, bringing the much-loved attraction into its national portfolio that includes iconic attractions BridgeClimb Sydney, and Scenic World in the Blue Mountains.
“We are delighted to welcome Sydney Zoo into the Hammons Holdings family of attractions and have Michael and Michelle join our leadership team,” Hammons Holdings group CEO David Hammon said. “They bring proven tourism expertise and their leadership will help shape our long-term vision for conservation, immersive experiences, community connection and unforgettable wildlife moments.”
As one of Australia’s major zoos, Sydney Zoo continues to strengthen its contribution to the NSW visitor economy, welcoming families, schools, community groups and international visitors year-round. Guided by its new leadership team, Sydney Zoo’s next growth phase will assess future expansion opportunities, including the Western Sydney Parklands Bunagrarribee Tourism Hub EOI, while strengthening alignment across Hammons Holdings’ attractions to enhance visitor experiences from Sydney to the Blue Mountains ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport next year
