EP 12: Clark Kirby

We sat down with one of Australia’s most prominent entertainment leaders, Clark Kirby, CEO of Village Roadshow and third-generation custodian of one of the country’s most iconic companies.

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Clark reflects on the remarkable legacy of his grandfather, Roc Kirby, and the evolution of Village Roadshow from an empty paddock in Croydon to a global entertainment group spanning cinema, theme parks, and production.

We explore Clark’s childhood growing up inside the industry, his first job at just six years old, and the pivotal moment he stepped into leadership during one of the company’s most turbulent chapters. Clark shares candid insights on family succession, the shifting media landscape, and Village Roadshow’s partnership with Warner Bros., with titles like The Matrix, Mad Max, and Ocean’s Eleven shaping the cultural zeitgeist.

He opens up about navigating the 2016 Dreamworld tragedy, the emotional weight of leadership, and how he prioritised people and purpose during moments of crisis. We also discuss Village’s ASX delisting during COVID-19, the future of cinema and streaming, and what legacy really means in a family-led business.

From entertainment to entrepreneurship, and fatherhood to the frontlines of corporate reinvention, this episode offers a rare look inside one of Australia’s great business dynasties.

Please welcome to World Class Voices, Clark Kirby.

Clark Kirby and Sam Hope