Sam Cook

Sam Cook is a dual U.S./Australian entertainment executive, creative strategist, and founder of KMBA Creative, with over three decades of global leadership in music, arts, and cultural enterprises. A Professional Member of the Recording Academy® (Grammys), she is recognized internationally for driving creative innovation, strategic growth, and large-scale cultural impact.

Sam has delivered landmark productions including the Grand Opening of Los Angeles’ Sixth Street Viaduct, the Bob Marley Festival in Ethiopia, cultural presentations at Stonehenge (UK), and an address at the African Union.



She has held senior leadership roles as APRA AMCOS’ North America Representative, Director of The Dreaming Festival, Programmer at Woodford Folk Festival, and CEO of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, where she led a major financial turnaround and expanded into 12 new markets.



A proven fundraiser and cultural advocate, Sam has raised $14M+ for arts projects supporting Aboriginal Australian communities and presided over $60M in arts funding across Australia and the U.S.

She also spearheaded the global #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA movement, mobilizing 20 million people in under five months.



Her recognitions include Arts Leader Honoree (NYC, 2025), Excellence Award, Women’s Economic Forum (2020), Startup Excellence Award (2019), and two Australia Council Fellowships. Earlier honors include Aboriginal Youth of the Year (1999) and serving as a Sydney Olympics Torch Bearer (2000).