Bob East, the former Chairman of Tourism Australia, has been appointed Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, succeeding John O’Sullivan.
Mr East brings extensive tourism and business experience, having previously also served as Chairman of Tourism and Events Queensland.
He is currently Chair of Experience Co, Australian Venue Co, Leisure Accommodation Collective and the Gold Coast Suns and was also involved in building Mantra Group before its acquisition by Accor.
Mark Olsen, Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO, welcomed the appointment and thanked Mr O’Sullivan for his three years as Chair.
“It is fitting that we have a Chair with the depth of experience that Bob East brings in accommodation, experiences and global marketing to take up the mantle of TTNQ Chair after the great leadership shown by John O’Sullivan,” Mr Olsen said.
Mr East said he had long admired the organisation’s work and the region’s tourism industry.
“The region is known as a star performer across the nation. It’s the perfect blend of amazing natural beauty, incredible operators and a spirit of working together as a region,” Mr East said.
Two new directors were also elected to the TTNQ Board. Lisa Chambers, Cairns Adventure Group Chief Marketing Officer, brings more than 20 years of tourism experience, while James Coughlan, founder of Shorex Australia, has more than 25 years of experience in the global cruise industry.
Main image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland outgoing Chair John O’Sullivan, CEO Mark Olsen and incoming Chair Bob East.
