Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Resigns

9 August 2016

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Resigns

Tourism New Zealand Chair Kerry Prendergast has today confirmed the resignation of Chief Executive Kevin Bowler after almost seven years leading the Crown Entity.

Kevin leaves on 28 October 2016 to join Frucor Beverages Limited as its New Zealand CEO.

Kerry says Kevin has transformed Tourism New Zealand into a high performing, digital-led, integrated marketing communications business with a clear mission and values that are shared by all its staff.

“During his tenure, Kevin has reinvigorated the way the country is marketed, narrowing the organisation’s focus to people already ‘actively considering’ New Zealand and delivering significant value to the economy through the use of targeted digital media channels,” says Kerry.

“He and his team have subsequently presided over some of the most extraordinary growth the industry has ever seen with visitor spend rising 25 per cent to $10.2b in the past twelve months alone.

“Kevin joined Tourism New Zealand in January 2010 and led the organisation and industry through the recovery from the Canterbury earthquakes.

“His time at Tourism New Zealand has been marked by the remarkable success of leveraging international attention gained from the Rugby World Cup and The Hobbit films; the inspiring approach to using international ambassadors in our promotion; expansion into new markets and sectors, and significant partnerships with aviation and digital media partners.

“He ends his tenure having just announced Hollywood powerhouse James Cameron as the latest in a line of influencers who have thrown their voice behind the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign.

“With the tourism industry delivering more value to the economy than ever before, Kevin leaves Tourism New Zealand is the best shape possible.

“On behalf of the Board we wish to thank him for his work and commitment to success and wish him all the very best at Frucor.”

Kerry says the Board will begin the process for replacing Kevin immediately with the first step being the appointment of an executive recruitment agency that will lead the search.

ENDS

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