New Tourism Chief Announced
The Chairman of the South
Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) Board, Mr Bob Foord, has
announced the appointment of Andrew McEvoy as the new SATC Chief
Executive.
Mr McEvoy, who is currently the Director of Industry and Organisational
Development at Tourism Australia, will take up the role in June
2007, following the departure of outgoing CE, Mr Bill Spurr.
“The SATC Board has left no stone unturned in appointing a new Chief
Executive and Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the role,” Mr
Foord said
“This appointment comes following an international search to fill the
role. In fact, we had a final short list, which included applicants
from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
“Andrew was also previously the General Manager Marketing at the SATC
between 1999 and 2003 so he has a great understanding of the
organisation and its culture.
“It is a real coup for South Australia that we have been able to attract
someone of Andrew’s calibre back to the State.
Mr McEvoy has nearly twenty years of tourism experience and has held a
number of prestigious roles in the industry since the early 1990s.
These roles include Media Manager for Tourism Victoria, a senior
marketing role with Ballarat Tourism, marketing experience with the
Melbourne Convention Marketing Bureau, General Manger of Marketing
at the SATC and most recently, his role with Tourism Australia.
The SATC Board underwent a lengthy appointment process to replace Mr
Spurr, who announced his intention to hand over the reins of the
organisation late last year.
Mr Spurr had been Chief Executive of the SATC since 1999, with his
career in tourism, events and education spanning more than 20 years.
Mr Spurr said the knowledge Andrew had gained at Tourism Australia in
the past four years would be invaluable to the South Australian
tourism industry.
“I am delighted with this appointment. He is very highly regarded in the
industry both here and interstate and his experience will certainly
ensure the ongoing growth of tourism in this State,” he said.
Mr McEvoy said he was looking forward to returning to the SATC and South
Australia, and believed there were exciting times ahead for the
tourism industry.
“South Australia is a real growth State in terms of tourism. Visitor
numbers are looking positive, particularly on the international
front and the potential for growth is enormous and I am very excited
about being part of this,” he said.
The Minister for Tourism, the Hon Jane Lomax-Smith praised Mr Spurr for
his dedication to the tourism industry and also welcomed the new
Chief Executive.
“Bill is moving to another exciting and challenging stage of his life
and we wish him all the best,” Minister Lomax-Smith said.
“Bill is still going to play a major role in tourism, education and
entertainment in South Australia which is extremely positive. By the
same token, it is wonderful to welcome Andrew back to the State and
to the SATC.
“He has broad experience at all levels including regional, national and
international tourism, media management, regional tourism,
conventions, events and marketing.
“Andrew’s appointment will ensure the SATC and the State Government will
continue to work in partnership with the tourism industry to ensure
South Australia remains a compelling destination for visitors.”
For more information please call Julia Angove on 8463 4610.
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