Nyaal Banyul Geelong 会展中心总经理 Rick Aylett 将离任，Paul Kanaan 出任代理总经理

Aylett (pictured, above) will depart the new convention centre on 16 October 2026 to take up the role as CEO of Melbourne Royal, which runs Melbourne Royal Show.

“My time in Geelong has been one of the most rewarding periods of my career,” he tells Geelong Advertiser.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate and talented people, and while this wasn’t an easy decision, I’m excited by the opportunity ahead.

“I have every confidence the venue will continue to grow and succeed, supported by an exceptional team and the ongoing advocacy of Geelong’s many leaders and advocates.”

Nyaal Banyul opened in late June 2026, and Aylett has been working as its project manager since 2022 and then as general manager.

“I am delighted to announce the Melbourne Royal Board has appointed Rick Aylett as chief executive officer,” says Matt Coleman OAM, president, Melbourne Royal.

“Following a comprehensive and rigorous recruitment process, the board has selected Mr Aylett to lead the organisation into its next phase of strategic development and growth.

“Mr Aylett brings extensive leadership capabilities, experience and a distinguished record of achievement in roles of significant responsibility, which align with the challenges and opportunities ahead of Melbourne Royal.

“He most recently oversaw the design and delivery of the $450 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre and was subsequently appointed general manager of the completed venue, nurturing it from development into a successful operation.”

Aylett will commence his new role on 4 November 2026.

The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) has appointed Paul Kanaan as acting general manager of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Kanaan is currently head of food and beverage at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and he will assume the acting general manager role on 19 October 2026.

With more than 20 years’ experience at MCEC, he brings expertise, operational knowledge and a strong passion for delivering events.

“We are delighted to welcome Paul to the role of acting general manager of Nyaal Banyul,” says Lauren Milsop, chief operations officer, VCET.

“His extensive experience and proven track record delivering major global events includes the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, the ‘Lion’s Den’ for British and Irish Lions tour in 2025, and the 20th International AIDS Conference in 2014.

“He will ensure we continue to establish Nyaal Banyul as a world-class business events destination.

“Paul’s appointment provides continuity and stability for our team, clients and stakeholders for the first full year of operation.

“Arrangements will be made to appoint a permanent general manager next year.

“I also take this opportunity to thank Rick Aylett for his leadership and contribution to the successful opening of Nyaal Banyul and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”

Kanaan says he is looking forward to stepping into the acting general manager role.

“I’m very excited to step into this role and be part of such an iconic new venue,” he says.

“I’m looking forward to working with the greater Geelong region, meeting the many people and organisations who support Nyaal Banyul, and becoming part of the community that has helped make the venue such a success.

“I know the team has built something special, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the venue and working with the team to continue building on our foundations as we head into an exciting 2027.”

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