General Manager, Partnerships and Commercial (International), Sports Marketing Australia / Sports Marketing International
Corey has built a distinguished career across business, sport, and government sectors for over 20 years, combining senior leadership roles, high-performance sport experience, and community engagement.
Corey is currently the General Manager of Partnerships and Commercial – International for Sports Marketing Australia / Sports Marketing International (SMA/SMI). In this role, Corey is responsible for partnerships, the commercialisation of sporting events, and the attraction of elite high-performance sport camps and events to destinations and regions. His focus spans Queensland leading into Brisbane 2032, Australia, and New Zealand, with an expanding international footprint across the UK, Europe, and Asia. Corey’s ability to deliver commercial outcomes is built on his extensive cross-sector experience, vast network, and unique knowledge of sport as both an athlete and administrator—a rare commodity in the industry.
Previously, Corey served as the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Touch Football, leading the sport’s strategic growth and development across the state. Prior to that he was the Head of Sport Attraction for the City of Gold Coast, where he oversaw major event acquisition and was the project lead and coordinator of SportAccord 2019 — the world’s largest sport and business conference, hosted on the Gold Coast. Corey was also a foundation staff member at the Gold Coast SUNS AFL Club, where he served both as Community Manager and Business Development Manager, overseeing the establishment of the Club’s Community program and driving the progression of the club both in the community and business sectors. Earlier in his career, Corey worked as Regional Manager of AFL Queensland South East, driving game development and talent pathways that expanded participation and created opportunities for emerging athletes across the state.
On the sporting field, Corey has achieved success at the highest levels. At just 18, he debuted in the AFL as one of the youngest players to represent the Brisbane Bears (now Brisbane Lions), where he played for three seasons. Beyond football, Corey has excelled in Touch Football, winning multiple National Championship titles. In 2024, he was selected as Captain of the Australian AFL Masters International Rules Team, leading the national side on a three-game tour of Ireland and the UK.
Corey’s commitment extends strongly into the community. For the past 17 years, he has held a position on the board of the Gold Coast Community Fund and is now currently the Vice Chairman of one of the Gold Coast’s most prominent charities. Working collaboratively with an amazing group of board members, under his leadership, the Fund has raised and distributed more than $5 million to individuals, families, and local charities in need.
Corey’s contributions have been widely recognised. In 2000, he was awarded the prestigious Australian Sports Medal for his achievements and service to both sport and the community. In 2011, he was named the Gold Coast SUNS’ inaugural Staff Member of the Year, acknowledging his role in establishing the AFL’s newest club. He proudly holds a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in both Sports Management and Sports Science, from Griffith University on the Gold Coast.