Rae Baker

XIR

Chief Experience Officer

Whether running a city-wide festival or facilitating a governance workshop, I bring clarity, creativity and fearless energy.

As an XIR, I’m always focused on connection, purpose, and impact.

I started my career in festivals, learning how to take bold ideas and turn them into experiences people remember. Whilst working with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival I saw what it takes to bring vision, logistics, and people together under pressure

I’ve directed the Queenstown Winter Festival, the award winning Flavours of Plenty Festival and worked across tourism, commercial and not-for-profits, applying the same skills I now use in governance and leadership: clear strategy, sharp priorities and strong stakeholder alignment.

As an Expert in Residence, I draw on my background in high-profile projects to help organisations cut through complexity, surface opportunities early, and keep people moving in the same direction.

I’ve guided teams to national recognition and delivered projects that strengthened culture, boosted local economies, and connected communities.

I help people get on the same page, focus on what matters and deliver results - creating the conditions for people to do their best work.