Michael (Mik) Auckland

Executive Producer & Delivery Director

Michael Auckland is an international ceremonies and major events specialist with more than three decades of experience delivering large-scale public and cultural events.

He has held senior production and operational leadership roles across multiple Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and FIFA World Cups, working with organising committees, governments and production teams worldwide.

Career highlights include Director of Operations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies, Production Executive for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies, and Head of Ceremonies & Arts and Culture for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Michael provides executive production, operational leadership and strategic advisory support across complex live environments, with a focus on clear planning, strong governance and confident delivery.

He has worked extensively on both client and agency sides, including senior roles with one of the world’s leading experiential marketing and brand experience firms.

Celia Smith

Creative Producer and Cultural Programs Director

Celia Smith is an experienced creative producer and cultural programmer with an international portfolio spanning ceremonies, festivals and major public programs.

She worked as a producer across the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Ceremonies and has since delivered major cultural and civic programs in Australia and internationally.

Celia has held senior roles across both agency and client environments, including with one of the world’s leading experiential marketing firms, bringing strong experience in aligning creative ambition with delivery realities.

Her work focuses on creative development, stakeholder engagement and program delivery across complex public environments, combining strong creative leadership with disciplined planning and collaborative execution.