Chris Kirk, who has led Australia’s largest innovation community for over ten years, is stepping down. Stone & Chalk announced today that Kirk’s final day as CEO will be April 10, 2025, marking the end of a foundational era for the organisation.
The move is described as a "planned and considered transition." Stone & Chalk remains on a firm footing strategically and financially, positioning the organisation for its next chapter as it expands its footprint across Australia’s tech landscape.
From a "Side-Show" to National Infrastructure
Kirk’s tenure began in 2015, a time when the Australian startup scene was still finding its legs. He joined the founding team when Stone & Chalk was little more than an idea, operating out of a building destined for demolition with just 41 startups.
In the decade since, Kirk has overseen a massive scaling effort. The organisation now supports more than 3,000 startups and scaleups that have collectively raised over $4.2 billion in capital. Under his watch, Stone & Chalk evolved into a national network with hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, facilitating high-value tech careers for over 20,000 people.
Continuity and the Tech Central Expansion
The Board of Directors, led by Chair Richard Kimber, has already confirmed a "high-quality shortlist" for the next CEO. While the search is well-progressed, the board expects to announce the successful candidate in the coming months.
Kirk’s exit comes as the organisation enters an aggressive growth phase. In September 2025, the NSW Government tapped Stone & Chalk to operate the Tech Central Innovation Hub at 477 Pitt Street. The 8,000-square-meter facility is slated to become the cornerstone of Sydney’s burgeoning tech precinct.
Kimber noted that Kirk’s leadership over the past 24 months has focused on strengthening the organisation's financial position to enable it to reinvest in entrepreneurs nationwide.
Following his departure in April, Kirk plans to take a brief hiatus with his family before returning to the ecosystem to focus on "shaping the next wave of companies, platforms, and future industries."
Stone & Chalk has confirmed that its daily operations and startup programs will continue without disruption throughout the transition period.