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Adelaide Fringe appoints Tara MacLeod as Acting CEO for 2026 season
Fri, Jan 9 2026
Adelaide Fringe announces Tara MacLeod will step into the role of Acting CEO for the 2026 season, as Heather Croall AM hands over the reins following an influential period of leadership. Heather leaves the festival in an excellent position, with a strong legacy and clear momentum heading into 2026.
Jo O'Callaghan - Executive Director Programs & Development (Left), Tara MacLeod - Acting Chief Executive Officer for Adelaide Fringe (Centre) and Ella Huisman - Executive Director Audience (Bottom) with Adelaide Fringe Artists Agua at 2026 Program Launch. Photo: Matt Carter, 2026.
As Heather Croall AM hands over the reins, we acknowledge a legacy that is enormous. Heather’s ambition, growth and grit have helped shape Adelaide Fringe into the bold, globally recognised festival it is today, and we’re deeply grateful for the leadership she’s brought to the organisation.
A steady hand for Fringe 2026
Tara is a proven and trusted leader who has been at the centre of delivering the festival in recent years. Since joining Adelaide Fringe in 2021, she has played a key role in operations and financial leadership, bringing major-event experience from the Adelaide Film Festival and more than a decade leading large-scale operations in the AFL.
With Tara and the Executive Team driving the organisation forward, Fringe 2026 is in very good hands as the Board continues the recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
From Acting CEO Tara MacLeod
“I’m honoured to step into the Acting CEO role for Adelaide Fringe 2026. Planning is well underway, and I’ve seen first-hand what makes Fringe work — the artists, venues, volunteers, partners, supporters and staff who bring it to life. Our focus is delivering another bold season that backs the sector and keeps the festival moving forward with real momentum.”
From Adelaide Fringe Board Chair Paul Hamra
“Tara MacLeod brings deep operational and leadership experience to the Acting CEO role, and she’s been central to planning and delivering recent Fringe seasons. The Board’s focus is continuity and momentum, and Tara is exactly the right person to lead the organisation through the 2026 season.”
From Adelaide Fringe CEO Heather Croall AM
“Adelaide Fringe is powered by an extraordinary team and community, and it has been a privilege to be part of its story. Tara is an outstanding leader and operator, and I’m excited to see her guide Fringe through 2026 with the energy, care, and vision that make the festival so special.“
Watch the recap of our 2026 Adelaide Fringe Program Launch, where Heather speaks about her departure and what it means for her next chapter.
Thank you Adelaide Fringe partner Channel 44 for capturing the magic of that day.
