The Australian Ballet Appoints New Executive Director 

Claire Spencer will begin the role this March, joining Artistic Director David Hallberg, whose contract has been extended through 2030

The Australian Ballet has welcomed Claire Spencer AM to the role of Executive Director, effective as of March 24, 2025. She will succeed Larissa Twomey, who left the role last year, and Sally Underwood, who has since been serving as Interim Executive Director.

Having led the Barbican Centre in London from 2022, Spencer was previously the chief executive of Arts Centre Melbourne for eight years. Additionally, she has also served as chief operating officer of the Sydney Opera House. 

In her new role, her experience in growth and financial management will help guide The Australian Ballet’s strategic planning and goals for long-term stability. 

Additionally, the company has announced the extension of Artistic Director David Hallberg’s contract by five years through 2030.

First beginning the role in 2021, Hallberg’s tenure has brought a blend of classical and innovative contemporary productions to the stage to great acclaim; he will now work with Spencer in creating new plans for the company going forward. 

“My time at The Australian Ballet has been incredibly rewarding, and I am honoured to lead the Company through to 2030,” said Hallberg, who has been a Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and the Bolshoi Ballet. 

“It is a true privilege to be appointed Executive Director of The Australian Ballet," Spencer added. “The Company has been a significant presence in my life since the 1990s, and I have been consistently impressed by the Company's ambition, beauty, strength and determination. I look forward to working with David Hallberg, the talented artists, and the dedicated staff to build on the Company’s extraordinary legacy and uphold its exceptional standards of ballet for audiences across Australia and beyond.”

“We’re delighted to share that David Hallberg has been reappointed as Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet through to 2030,” the company posted on Instagram. “His visionary leadership continues to elevate our Company’s artistic excellence.

“We also welcome Claire Spencer AM as our new Executive Director from March 2025. With her incredible experience at Arts Centre Melbourne, Sydney Opera House, and the Barbican Centre, she’s well qualified to guide us into the future. Please join us in celebrating both leaders as we continue to plan for an ambitious and sustainable future.”