Screenwest names new CEO

The acting CEO of Western Australia funding and development agency Screenwest will lead the organisation for the next three years.

Peter ‘Willie’ Rowe

Peter ‘Willie’ Rowe, a former chair of Screenwest, took on the post on an interim basis following the abrupt departure of CEO Seph McKenna in September, nine months into a five-year term.

Rowe’s CV includes interim CEO of the WA Aids Council, chief of staff to WA premier Colin Barnett, a director of consulting group Gryphon Management Australia and director of policy for WA premier Richard Court.

Announcing the appointment, board chair Janelle Marr said: “After a very comprehensive recruitment process, the Screenwest board is pleased to secure Mr Rowe. He has extensive knowledge, management and leadership experience gained from his senior roles with government and within the corporate, not-for-profit and arts sectors.

“The board is confident Mr Rowe’s appointment will further strengthen the great Screenwest team and help us continue to bring world-class Western Australian stories and identity to screen, for the benefit of the community.”

Rowe, who formally takes up the position on January 14, said: “I am excited by the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and will focus on strengthening existing key relationships and engaging with new corporate and commercial partners to expand cross-sectoral options for the organisation.”