Kevin Thompson was director of the academy from 2004 to 2012. During his tenure the institute forged international links, including arrangements with the Juilliard School in New York City as well as mainland colleges, and introduced master's degrees in performing arts disciplines. Thompson also initiated planning for campus expansion. Professor Adrian Walter, was recruited in 2012. He had been the dean of music at the Australian National University in Canberra since 2008. Professor Gillian Choa succeeded as the new Director of the Academy with effect from 1 January 2021. Professor Choa is the first female Director since the establishment of the Academy in 1984.