Queensland Museum welcomes new Chief Executive Officer

28 November 2025

Queensland Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Renai Grace as its next CEO.

Ms Grace will succeed Dr Jim Thompson, who will retire in December 2025 after eight years of leadership at Queensland Museum and more than four decades of distinguished public service in New South Wales and Queensland.

During his time as CEO, Dr Thompson has led significant growth and renewal, including the revitalisation of permanent galleries at Queensland Museum Kurilpa, major international exhibitions such as Dinosaurs of Patagonia and Discovering Ancient Egypt, and the creation of a world-class collection storage facility at Hendra.

He guided the Museum through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, championed Queensland Museum’s inaugural First Nations Strategy, and brought Queensland’s collections and research to the forefront, creating opportunities for discovery, engagement, and international recognition through exhibitions and programming, most recently with the world premiere of Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends.

The Board welcomes Ms Grace to the role and looks forward to the next chapter of growth, creativity, and connection for Queensland Museum and the communities it serves.

About Renai Grace

With over 25 years of experience in cultural leadership, Ms Grace brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, creative direction, audience engagement, fostering partnerships with government and business, and leading organisational transformation.

Since her appointment as Executive Director, Museums and Engagement at Queensland Museum in December 2022, Ms Grace has played a pivotal role in enhancing audience experiences across the museum’s four public sites. Her achievements include leading master planning, digital and accessibility initiatives, revitalising the Queensland Museum brand, and significant growth in international partnerships, audience reach and engagement.

Ms Grace previously served as CEO and Director of the Museum of Brisbane for six years, where she established the biannual Brisbane Art Design festival and championed several nationally awarded exhibitions. Her career spans roles at Arts Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), NorthSite Contemporary Arts, and Artisan, showcasing her deep commitment to the cultural sector.

Ms Grace is committed to championing inclusivity, connecting with communities, and guiding Queensland Museum into a new chapter of growth, creativity, and discovery.