Former chair of Tourism Australia’s board, Bob East, is the new chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), replacing former Tourism Australia managing director, John O’Sullivan, who has headed up the board for the last three years.
East is also chair of Experience Co, of which O’Sullivan is the CEO, and helms the boards of the Australian Venue Co., the Leisure Accommodation Collective and the Gold Coast Suns. Earlier in his career, he started the accommodation business Mantra, which was eventually acquired by Accor.
“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 in his time as TTNQ chair,” said TTNQ chief executive, Mark Olsen.
“John’s experience in leading one of Australia’s largest adventure tourism businesses with significant international exposure and operations in the region has been invaluable in steering TTNQ through the post-pandemic recovery phase as we reshaped the organisation to play a key role in the international recovery for Australia.
“I thank John for his keen insight and look forward to working with Bob as we navigate the highly competitive world of destination marketing with a greatly reduced budget.”
East was appointed TTNQ board chair at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Friday.
“I’ve long admired the tremendous results Mark and his team have delivered,” said East.
“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.”
Chief marketing officer for Cairns Adventure Group, Lisa Chambers, and founder of Shorex Australia, James Coughlan, were also appointed to the board on Friday, selected from seven possible candidates.
