ATEC’s Chairman, John King OAM has announced he will be stepping down and will be replaced by Denis Pierce.
King will withdraw from his position on December 10 at the organisation’s annual Meeting Place industry conference in Sydney.
Pierce has previously served as ATEC Chairman in 1995/96 when the organisation was known as the Inbound Tourism Organisation of Australia.
King has commented on the handover as a delightful experience which comes at a time of strong growth for export tourism which has followed a challenging decade.
“Denis and I first worked together in developing the US market to Australia in the 80’s and 90’s.” King said.
“Since then he has developed a deep knowledge of distribution and marketing issues across all major markets to Australia – destination development and management, meetings and events – and he understands the changes needed to further develop the export tourism sector."
King will retain a strong interest in the tourism sector through numerous other company, industry and Government board positions and devote more time to building greater Indigenous participation in roles in the tourism industry.
Pierce said he was very much looking forward to extending his previous working relationship with both the supplier and distributor sides of tourism export in Australia.
“ATEC has a new agenda and we will be working hard to create the best environment for our members, working together and with Governments, to take full advantage of Australia's almost endless tourism potential.” Pierce said.
Pierce’s extensive experience spans positions including:
- Currently Board Member of Tourism Northern Territory and Chair to the marketing subcommittee.
- Current Director of The Linchpin Company playing a key role in assisting Tourism Australia in developing experience segments such as Great Golf Australia, Great Walks Australia and Ultimate Winery Experiences.
- Former Board Member of Tourism NSW 2000-2009
- Vice Chairman to Tourism NSW 2000-2009 (2008-09)
- Board Member Tourism Tropical North Queensland 2008-09.
Pierce will hold the ATEC Chairman’s role for the next three years.
