Shrine leadership team

The role of the Leadership Team is to implement strategy and direct the day-to-day activities of the Shrine. Meet the team.

Pallav Ahuja
Director Corporate Services

With a passion for purposeful leadership, Pallav joined the organisation in September 2025 as Director Corporate Services. Backed with CPA and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he brings over two decades of experience across public and community sectors. He leads the Shrine’s Finance, Technology, Facilities, and Risk and Assurance functions, with a strong focus on strategy, governance, and transformation. Pallav is dedicated to strengthening the Shrine’s foundations so its people, systems, and resources continue to honour service and inspire reflection for generations to come.

Maree Brannigan
Director Public Programs

Maree is an experienced cultural leader with broad experience across heritage, public institutions, education and community engagement. She previously led the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa in Aotearoa New Zealand, strengthening defence relationships and advancing commemorative, education and exhibition programs that connected service history with contemporary audiences. Her career spans work in museums, tertiary education, and community development, with a consistent focus on accessible programming, youth engagement, and strengthening civic understanding through meaningful experiences. At the Shrine, Maree leads the strategic development and delivery of public programs, education, and other initiatives that connect diverse audiences to the Shrine’s enduring purpose.

Sue Curwood
Marketing Director

Sue is an experienced leader with deep expertise in the cultural and museum sectors. With an extensive background in marketing, communications, and audience engagement, Sue has developed and led award-winning strategies that have deepened public connection, increased visitation, and elevated the profiles of some of Melbourne’s most respected cultural institutions. Sue heads all marketing and communications efforts, shaping how audiences discover and connect with the Shrine’s powerful stories of service and sacrifice.

Ryan Johnston
Director Visitor Experience

Ryan has extensive audience engagement experience across the museum, cultural, and higher education sectors. Previous roles include the inaugural Director of Buxton Contemporary Art Museum, and Head of Academic Programs (Museums and Collections) at the University of Melbourne. From 2012 to 2018 Ryan was Head of Art at the Australian War Memorial, where he oversaw Australia’s official war art scheme along with a broad range of other commemorative programming.

Genevieve Maguire
People and Culture Manager

Genevieve is a highly experienced People and Culture leader with a strong track record in organisational transformation and building inclusive, high-performing cultures. As People and Culture Manager at the Shrine, she leads strategic people initiatives that support the organisation’s mission and values. With over 15 years’ experience across emergency services, legal, logistics, and not-for-profit sectors, Genevieve has led major change programs, D&I strategies, and executive development. Genevieve was awarded the National Emergency Medal for service during the 2019-20 Victorian bushfires.

Staff

The Shrine employs 40 staff (approximately 30 FTE) who deliver day to day programs and perform activities that support the organisation’s Mission.