Franca Smarrelli

Franca Smarrelli is a commercially focused executive with over two decades of experience in arts, cultural, and health sectors, holding roles such as CEO, Managing Director, and Director.

She is recognized as a creative and action-oriented leader who has successfully led major organizations nationally and internationally, driving business growth and sustainable profits.

Her core focus areas include strategic planning, business development, budget and financial management, marketing, public relations, branding, team leadership, mentoring, profit and loss management, change management, funding, sponsorship, philanthropic support, education, community engagement, and development operations.

With a proven track record in revitalizing company culture, Franca's senior management career spanning 20+ years, with over a decade at the Director and C-Suite level, highlights her ability to execute profit turnarounds and lead substantial organizational change.

Some of her career highlights include transforming the National Stroke Foundation, bringing the Spoleto Festival of Three Worlds to Melbourne, launching the prestigious Milan Ensemble, providing artistic leadership to the Melbourne Lygon Arts Festival, and revamping Orchestra Victoria.

Franca's success is attributed to her lateral thinking, big picture vision, strong team-focus, and ability to drive strategic behavior and culture change aligning with business goals.

"Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done." - Robert A. Heinlein