Stage and Screen has named entertainment industry veteran Melanie Kennedy as Senior Business Development Manager, part of a wave of leadership appointments and promotions heading into FY27.
Kennedy joins the Flight Centre Travel Group specialist travel management company to lead its growing music pillar, bringing more than 25 years of experience across the entertainment and creative industries.
Reporting to Stage and Screen’s head of sales Sasha Sherman, she carries deep expertise in the music and touring sectors, an area the Brisbane-based business has flagged as a key growth market.
The appointment sits within a broader reshuffle that follows the recent promotion of Wonitta Atkins to general manager, and reflects a push to strengthen senior leadership and deepen specialist capability across the entertainment, sports and live events sectors.
Kennedy has worked through significant shifts in the entertainment landscape and is described as particularly passionate about finding travel solutions for organisations in the music and touring industry.
Her track record spans commercial growth and long-term relationship building across the sector, the capabilities Stage and Screen is banking on as it invests in one of touring travel’s busiest niches.
Who else is moving
At the senior level, Matthew Leddin has expanded from head of account management into the newly defined role of head of operations and account management, taking on operational responsibilities previously held by Atkins.
Aadil Omar joins the senior leadership team as finance business partner, while Janine Davis moves across from Corporate Traveller into an account manager role.
Internal promotions include Christie Mitchell to team leader, account management, and Lohnet Barton to team leader, credit control. Siobhan Baker joins as travel content and supply coordinator.
The company has also bolstered its regional presence, appointing Anita Nguyen as village leader for Victoria and Nathan Segal as village leader for NSW and Queensland.
Most of the appointments were drawn from within the wider FCTG family of brands.
What the leadership says
“These appointments demonstrate our commitment to Brightness of Future – Flight Centre’s philosophy of developing our people and creating clear pathways for career progression,” said Stage and Screen general manager Wonitta Atkins.
“We’re investing in leadership development, strengthening our specialist capability, and creating real opportunities for our team to grow and lead. That’s how you build a sustainable, high-performing brand.”
“We’re charging into FY27 with a stronger, more capable team than ever before. While others in our industry are navigating challenging times, we’re investing and growing.
“From strengthened senior leadership to expanded regional teams, we’re building the infrastructure to deliver excellence across every market – and our clients are going to feel the difference.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: With live music and touring rebounding, a dedicated music pillar backed by 25 years of sector experience signals where Stage and Screen sees demand heading. For clients moving artists, crews and production around the country and the world, the deeper bench and expanded regional leadership point to more specialist support on the ground.
