Real Journeys CEO Resigns

31 October 201

Real Journeys CEO Resigns

Real Journeys Chief Executive, Dave Hawkey, today signalled his intention to resign from the company after 10 years. Hawkey said that despite a number of significant achievements during his tenure, it was time now to focus on his family who are based in Christchurch.

“If this year has taught me one thing, it would be the importance of family. I’ve watched as my family has lived through the Canterbury earthquakes and struggled to regain a sense of hope and security.

As much as I love working for Real Journeys and living in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, it’s time for me to go where I’m needed and that’s helping my family repair our home and recover from what can only be described as a devastating and very stressful year.

I’ve been with Real Journeys for 10 years now; I’ve enjoyed the challenges and I’m proud of the contribution I’ve made to the growth of the company and to regional tourism as a whole. The industry is facing challenging times and I really think the time is right for new leadership to move the company forward into the future.”

During the past decade, Real Journeys has enjoyed exceptional growth and the company has expanded from its Fiordland/Queenstown base to now include operations on Stewart Island and in Lyttelton and Akaroa harbours. Despite the global economic environment negatively impacting tourism over the past three years, Hawkey says Real Journeys has remained buoyant.

“The fact that we operate in New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes is part of our success but what really differentiates us in the market is our people. Real Journeys is a family business and I’ve worked really hard to ensure that ethos is evident in the way we operate. The feedback I receive about our staff is amazing – customers make a quick reference to the scenery and wildlife and the remainder of their feedback is all about how wonderful our people are. I’m really proud of the culture we’ve grown at Real Journeys. It’s a great legacy to leave behind.”

The one thing Hawkey won’t miss is the commute to and from Christchurch every week. “It’s great for collecting airpoints! But the reality is, it has become harder and harder for me to be so far away from my family when it’s quite clear I need to be with them.”

Bill Baylis, Chairman of Real Journeys acknowledged Hawkey’s contribution to the company. “Dave has made a significant contribution to the company over the past 10 years and we totally understand his reasons for leaving. The past decade has had its fair share of challenges and Dave is to be congratulated on his leadership and management through these times. I know his Exec team and staff will miss him and his open style.”

Mr Hawkey will leave Real Journeys in February 2012.

ENDS

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