WorkSafe Queensland Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

WorkSafe Queensland has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, financial management, and human capital development.

Committed to enhancing workplace safety standards, WorkSafe Queensland delivers essential advisory services to small businesses across the region while fostering a culture of health and safety excellence.

Leadership Roles at WorkSafe Queensland

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kevin Gowdie
  • Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland - Michael Pennisi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Garnett Hollier
  • Chief Operating Officer - Karin Muller
  • Chief People Officer - Emma Wright
  • Kevin Gowdie - Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin Gowdie, the Chief Executive Officer at WorkSafe Queensland, directs the overarching strategic vision for workplace safety advisory services. Gowdie architects high-level initiatives that connect small businesses with critical health and safety resources. By aligning organizational goals with state-wide safety mandates, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent service delivery across Queensland. Kevin Gowdie maintains rigorous oversight of the advisory framework, ensuring that consultants provide actionable guidance during one-on-one visits. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to refine safety protocols and improve business compliance. Through the implementation of data-driven safety strategies, the Chief Executive Officer drives significant improvements in regional workplace standards. Gowdie monitors the efficacy of advisory programs, adjusting operational tactics to meet the evolving needs of the Queensland business community. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of safety advisory services through proactive management and strategic foresight.

    Michael Pennisi - Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland

    Michael Pennisi, the Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland at WorkSafe Queensland, manages the complex intersection of insurance and workplace safety advisory services. Pennisi drives the integration of safety consulting with broader risk management frameworks to support small business stability. Overseeing the delivery of specialized advisory visits, the Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland ensures that every consultation addresses specific health and safety hazards. Michael Pennisi coordinates with internal teams to streamline the advisory process, reducing administrative burdens for Queensland employers. This leadership role requires deep analysis of safety trends to inform policy adjustments and service enhancements. By optimizing the allocation of advisory resources, the Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland improves the accessibility of safety expertise. Pennisi maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all advisory interactions yield measurable improvements in workplace safety outcomes across the state.
    Michael Pennisi

    Garnett Hollier - Chief Financial Officer

    Garnett Hollier, the Chief Financial Officer at WorkSafe Queensland, directs the financial planning and resource allocation for all safety advisory programs. Hollier architects robust fiscal strategies that support the provision of free health and safety consultations to small businesses. By managing the budgetary requirements of the advisory division, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainable delivery of essential services across Queensland. Garnett Hollier monitors financial performance indicators to optimize the cost-effectiveness of field operations. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of funding models and expenditure, ensuring alignment with state-mandated safety objectives. Through the application of precise financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer drives the efficient use of capital to maximize the reach of safety advisory initiatives. Hollier provides the financial foundation necessary for the organization to expand its influence and improve safety outcomes for businesses throughout the entire state.
    Garnett Hollier

    Karin Muller - Chief Operating Officer

    Karin Muller, the Chief Operating Officer at WorkSafe Queensland, executes the daily operational functions required to deliver safety advisory services. Muller architects efficient workflows for the consultant teams, ensuring that one-on-one visits occur seamlessly across Queensland. By managing the logistics of field operations, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service quality and responsiveness. Karin Muller oversees the deployment of advisory resources, ensuring that small businesses receive timely and relevant health and safety guidance. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify areas for process improvement. Through the implementation of scalable service models, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational efficiency and enhances the overall impact of advisory visits. Muller coordinates with other executive leaders to align operational capacity with strategic objectives, ensuring that the organization meets the growing demand for safety support throughout the region.
    Karin Muller

    Emma Wright - Chief People Officer

    Emma Wright, the Chief People Officer at WorkSafe Queensland, directs the human capital strategy to support the organization's mission of workplace safety. Wright architects talent acquisition and development programs that ensure consultants possess the expertise required for effective advisory visits. By fostering a culture of professional growth, the Chief People Officer maintains a high-performing team capable of addressing complex health and safety issues. Emma Wright oversees performance management systems, ensuring that all staff members align with the core values of the organization. This leadership role involves designing training initiatives that keep the advisory team updated on the latest safety regulations and best practices. Through the implementation of strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer drives organizational agility and employee engagement. Wright manages the internal talent pipeline, ensuring that the organization retains the specialized skills necessary to provide high-quality safety guidance to Queensland businesses.
    Emma Wright

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WorkSafe Queensland Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WorkSafe Queensland?
    WorkSafe Queensland is led by Kevin Gowdie (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Pennisi (Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland) and Garnett Hollier (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of WorkSafe Queensland’s executive team?
    The executive team of WorkSafe Queensland includes leaders such as Kevin Gowdie (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Pennisi (Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland), Garnett Hollier (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WorkSafe Queensland have?
    WorkSafe Queensland has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WorkSafe Queensland’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WorkSafe Queensland includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer WorkCover Queensland, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer.