Former Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci Departs Ticketek After Just Over a Year
Brad Banducci, the former Woolworths chief executive who joined Ticketek in April 2025, has resigned—effective at the end of May—after a tenure marked by the loss of major ticketing contracts.
Departure Effective End of May
Banducci, who stepped down as CEO of Woolworths in 2024 following intense scrutiny over competition and pricing, announced his exit to staff on Wednesday. He will be succeeded by Ticketek’s current chief operating officer, Cameron Hoy, who assumes the role of CEO on June 1.
Key Losses: Venues NSW and Melbourne Park Contracts
During Banducci’s brief leadership, Ticketek lost several significant ticketing agreements. Most notably, the company lost the contract with Venues NSW—reportedly worth approximately $100 million—to rival Ticketmaster. The contract for Melbourne Park also changed hands.
The company is owned by private equity firm Silver Lake, which acquired Ticketek for around $1.3 billion in 2019.
Statements from Leadership
In his departure announcement, Banducci framed his tenure as a transitional phase:
“I joined to set the group up for the next horizon of growth, and I feel it is the right time to transition leadership.”
Incoming CEO Cameron Hoy outlined the company’s ambition:
“We aim to partner with the world’s best venues, promoters and rights holders to connect fans to the moments that matter most.”
Broader Industry Context
Banducci’s exit comes amid a shift in the Australian live events and ticketing landscape. Landmark US legal proceedings last month found that Live Nation, owner of Ticketmaster, had violated competition laws by monopolizing control of venues, talent, and ticketing. Live Nation is currently appealing the ruling.
Additionally, Afterpay recently purchased the naming rights to Qudos Bank Arena (owned by TEG), renaming it Afterpay Arena. Its parent company, Block, will take over payment terminals at the venue.