Screenwest Board appoints Phil Thick as Chair as John Driscoll concludes tenure
The Screenwest Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Thick as Chair effective 1 March 2026 as outgoing Chair, John Driscoll concludes seven years of dedicated service.
Mr Thick is an experienced CEO, Company Chair and Director with 40 years’ experience in the resources sector, most recently in renewable energy. He has served on a wide range of boards for the past 15 years. He is the Chair of Perth Symphony Orchestra and the former Chair of Chamber of Arts and Culture WA.
“I am delighted to take on the role of Screenwest Board Chair. I look forward to bringing my experience in corporate and not for profit entities to Screenwest and continuing the organisation’s efforts to drive growth in Western Australia’s screen industry.” Phil Thick, Screenwest Board Chair.
“I look forward to working with Phil and the Screenwest Board to continue building local talent, crew and production companies and to further grow the scope and profile of Western Australian production.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to John for his leadership. His contributions have played a pivotal role in the growth of the Western Australian screen industry over recent years and on a personal level I thank him for his advice and support. On behalf of Screenwest and the industry we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.
During Mr Driscoll’s time as Board Chair there have been record levels of government investment in the Western Australian screen industry, including new funding for digital games, workforce development and the launch of the WA Production Attraction Incentive.
Production expenditure in Western Australia has close to tripled during his tenure, the State welcomed its biggest production to date with Netflix series, Breakers and Perth opened its doors to the state-of-the-art Perth Film Studios. Mr Driscoll leaves Screenwest and the local screen industry in a strong position.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Screenwest Board for the last seven years and I’m immensely proud of what Screenwest has achieved. I would like to acknowledge the vision and the commitment of the State government in recognising the screen industry as an important industry in its diversification strategy for Western Australia.
I am confident Phil will be an excellent addition to the Board and with the management team in place Screenwest will continue to excel. I wish Phil and Screenwest the very best for the future,” John Driscoll, Outgoing Screenwest Board Chair.