Tourism boss has done homework
NEW Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista has been playing tourist on the Coast ahead of her first day on the job on Monday.
Ms Battista will hit the ground running following what has been a big week in local tourism circles.
Bizzy Bits understands Ms Battista has spent the past two weeks getting to know the Gold Coast before she steps into the role previously held by Martin Winter.
Her arrival follows the shock resignation last week of former Gold Coast Bulletin editor Dean Gould, who is leaving Destination Gold Coast to take up a position at Southern Cross University.
Mr Gould joined Gold Coast Tourism, now known as Destination Gold Coast, three years ago as executive director of corporate affairs and strategy. He has declined to comment on his resignation or his new role.
DGC chairman Paul Donovan, who also hung up one of his tourism hats this week, said he was sad to see Mr Gould go.
“He’s made a significant contribution to the organisation but he believes this is a great career opportunity for him,” Mr Donovan said.
Mr Gould’s resignation follows the departure of DGC chief marketing officer Jan Hutton, who resigned in May to take up a position with Destination NSW. Mr Gould and Ms Hutton were widely considered leading contenders to replace departing DGC CEO Mr Winter.
Mr Donovan ended his tenure on the board of Tourism and Events Queensland yesterday as five board members made way for new blood that included NRL star Johnathan Thurston and Chris Mills, the CEO of Queensland Airports Limited.
They join fellow newcomers Nancy Bamaga, Sarah Kelly and Brenda LaPorte on the TEQ board.
The new members replace Julieanne Alroe, Mr Donovan, Anna Guillan, Judith McLean and Gary Smith, who end their tenures under TEQ’s governing legislation having served two consecutive terms. Brett Godfrey will continue as chair of TEQ.