Screenwest to Farewell CEO Willie Rowe in June 2021

Screenwest to Farewell CEO Willie Rowe and announces search for a strategic leader to drive the organisation and WA Screen Industry forward.

Screenwest announced today that Chief Executive Officer, Willie Rowe will commence succession planning as he transitions out of the agency. Mr. Rowe will remain CEO until 30 June 2021, or until such time as a new CEO has been recruited.

Rowe was appointed to the role in 2018 as the organisation transitioned from State Government to an independent not-for-profit organisation. His management and oversight of an agency restructure, securing funding sources and engagement with the Industry has ensured the agency is now stronger than ever before.

Following the successful activation of the Western Australian Regional Film Fund (WARFF), in 2020, Screenwest secured a further $16 million in funding over four years for the new Western Australian Screen Fund (WASF). A key component of the refreshed fund is the state’s new Post Digital & Visual Effects (PDV) fund which is already delivering results for Western Australian Screen businesses.

Screenwest Chair John Driscoll thanked Mr Rowe for his achievements in the role.

“Willie came to Screenwest, following a period of considerable change for the agency in its first year out of government. During his time at Screenwest he oversaw Screenwest’s emergence as a genuinely independent agency, during the busiest time in the Western Australian screen industry’s history. This year he’s navigated the agency and the industry through the COVID 19 crisis, with Screenwest playing a leading role in supporting and strategising for the sector through this most difficult time.”

Driscoll continued, “The favourable position Screenwest and the Western Australian Screen Industry is currently in, will enable the next leader of the organisation to deliver upon the objectives within the 2021 – 2024 Strategic Plan, and lead the agency and the sector to provide significant economic and social impacts for WA over the coming years.”

Willie Rowe explained, “Over the first fifteen months, working with the team, we rebuilt the organisation which included a major restructure. This has delivered a highly professional and committed group of people. We have an excellent management team that I know deliver on a daily basis with a view to the future.”

He added, “I am proud of what we have achieved in the relatively short time in which I have been with Screenwest, and I know that there is a very exciting future for the Western Australian screen industry.”

The recruitment process for Screenwest’s new CEO will commence immediately.

Contact Screenwest

T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au

www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au

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