Sydney, 5 February 2026
Stone & Chalk today announced that CEO Chris Kirk will step down from the role, with his final day on 10 April 2025. The departure follows more than ten years of leadership at Australia's largest innovation community.
This is a planned and considered transition. Stone & Chalk is in a strong position strategically, financially, and culturally, making this the right time for new leadership to take the baton. Kirk will remain involved during the transition to ensure stability and embed key priorities for the organisation's future.
The announcement comes as Stone & Chalk enters a new chapter of growth. In September 2025, the NSW Government named Stone & Chalk as strategic partners and operators of the Tech Central Innovation Hub at 477 Pitt Street, an 8,000 sqm hub that will serve as a cornerstone of Sydney's Tech Central precinct. This hub joins Stone & Chalk's operations in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Under Kirk's leadership, Stone & Chalk has built a thriving startup ecosystem, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship nationally. The organisation is known for its collaborative culture, high-impact programs, and strong government and corporate partnerships. For two years running, Australian founders have voted Stone & Chalk the #1 Most Recommended Startup Support Organisation.
Stone & Chalk's day-to-day operations, startup programs, and initiatives will continue without disruption. The Board has overseen the evolution of the organisation's strategy and will ensure continuity of execution through the transition. The search for a new CEO has commenced and a high-quality shortlist has been confirmed. The Board will announce the incoming CEO in the coming months.
A message from Chris Kirk
“When I joined the founding team in 2015, Stone & Chalk was just an idea. We started with 41 startups in a building marked for demolition. I could never have imagined we would grow to support over 3,000 Australian startups and scaleups, helping these companies raise more than $4.2 billion in capital along the way.
I've grown up alongside the startup community. I've watched technology startups move from a side-show to a central driver of our nation's future prosperity. It has been an honour to work with our government partners to launch innovation hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Their support has been an integral component of our impact. Our hubs are more than co-working spaces; they have become true centres of gravity for innovation, and will impact the trajectory of so many Australians.
By supporting Australia's most ambitious founders, Stone & Chalk has helped to kickstart entirely new industries, and over 20,000 Australians take their first steps into high-value tech careers.
The thing I'm most proud of is Stone & Chalk's people. They have created a culture where founders help founders by default, and that legacy will outlast any CEO. Across the thousands of businesses I've watched scale, I've learned that companies have seasons. I believe the best way to lead a company you love is to know exactly when to leave it. Stone & Chalk's foundation is solid; our mission to support 10,000 Australian success stories over the next 10 years is clear. Now is the right time for a new leader to drive that mission forward.
Stone & Chalk has given me a privileged vantage point across Australia’s innovation economy. After a short break with my two young children, I’ll be turning my attention back to where I can have the greatest impact in shaping the next wave of companies, platforms, and future industries.
To the founders who trusted us with their ambitions, the partners who backed the vision, and the Stone & Chalk team who make magic happen daily, thank you.”
Comment from Richard Kimber, Chair of Stone & Chalk
"Chris took on the CEO role with a clear purpose: to build a stronger Stone & Chalk for founders. Over the past 24 months, he has achieved several goals, improving the organisation's foundations and financial strength so we can reinvest in supporting more entrepreneurs across the country.
Our Board of Directors has worked closely with Chris to ensure we have a clear strategy in a complex and ever changing environment. He has grown significantly throughout his time at Stone & Chalk and has risen to the role of CEO from several key positions within the organisation.
Chris is a passionate champion of entrepreneurs and a values-driven leader. On behalf of the Board, I thank Chris for the impact he has had on Stone & Chalk and the community we serve. This transition has been planned, and recruitment for the next CEO is well progressed."
About Stone & Chalk
Stone & Chalk Group is Australia's largest innovation community. We support startups, scaleups, corporations and governments at every stage of their innovation journey. Over the past 10 years, we have supported 3,000+ companies to raise a collective $4.2 billion in funding, with 50,000+ jobs created.
