TIA appoints new Chief Executive

TIA appoints new Chief Executive

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive – Chris Roberts, currently General Manager Corporate Affairs at Tourism New Zealand.

TIA Chairman Grant Lilly says he is delighted to have secured a high quality Chief Executive for the organisation. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process which attracted high calibre applicants.

Mr Roberts has been in his current role for two years. In that role he has had responsibility for government relations, media relations and New Zealand stakeholder engagement. He is also Chairman of i-SITE New Zealand.

His first direct involvement with the tourism sector was in 2000, when he worked for the Minister of Tourism. At that time he was involved in the development of Tourism 2010, the first attempt to have a co-ordinated industry strategy.

Mr Roberts will continue the work of implementing and developing the new strategy, Tourism 2025 – Growing Value Together/Whakatipu Uara Ngatahi, which was released in March, Mr Lilly says.

Mr Roberts says he is thrilled to be picking up the Tourism 2025 project from former TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden, and driving it forward.

“Tourism is a remarkable industry full of talented and passionate people. I am looking forward to playing a leadership role in growing the significant contribution it makes to New Zealand’s economy,” he says.

Today’s announcement came on the first day of TRENZ 2014, which is taking place this week on Auckland’s waterfront, in The Cloud and Shed 10. TRENZ is the New Zealand tourism industry’s biggest annual international showcase.

“I will be around to talk with many of TIA’s 1500 members and other industry players over the course of TRENZ,” Mr Roberts says.

He takes up his new role in mid-July. TIA Chief Operating Officer Chris McGeown will continue as Acting Chief Executive until then.

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