Great South Chief Executive appointment
Great South’s Board of Directors have appointed Graham Budd as the organisation’s Chief Executive.
Currently Chief Executive for Destination Queenstown, Mr Budd has previously held a number of executive and general
manager positions in the agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods sectors and will take up his new position with Great
South in early February 2020.
Great South Chairman Ian Collier said the Board is delighted to have someone of Graham’s calibre, experience and passion
for destination development leading the organisation moving forward.
“With an outstanding track record for encouraging destination awareness and driving business success, we are looking
forward to working with Graham to achieve great things for the Southland region,”
Mr Budd Will replace Ann Lockhart who has been in the role of interim chief executive for the organisation since
mid-June.
Mr Collier said Ms Lockhart has made a significant contribution to the organisation, overseeing the establishment of the
Southland Regional Development Agency and working with key stakeholders to develop a clear vision for the organisation.
“Ann’s extensive understanding of economic and tourism development enabled Great South to quickly cement its position in
the regional development space, setting a strong foundation for Graham to build on moving forward,”
Gary Tong, chair of the Joint Shareholders Committee (a committee of Great South’s shareholders) and Mayor of Southland
District, said the appointment of Mr Budd is proof that Southland is an attractive proposition for highly respected
professionals.
“Graham’s appointment highlights the potential people see in Southland and we look forward to supporting him and Great
South to build on this potential and leverage significant opportunities for the region,” Mayor Tong said.
Great South came into effect on 1 July as Southland’s Regional Development Agency and is committed to encouraging the
region’s future growth.
ENDS