The Accommodation Association has announced the return of Richard Munro as CEO, as the industry body’s proposed merger with the Australian Hotel Association/Tourism progresses.
Munro is well-known in the sector as a result of leading the Accommodation Association from mid-2011 to mid-2019.
He has worked in the accommodation sector for more than 35 years, and has held operational roles for a host of major brands including Sheraton, Southern Pacific Hotels, Christmas Island Casino, The Star, and the Cronulla Sharks.
Most recently, Munro has been leading and transforming Coral Sea Resort in North Queensland.
Munro will step into the CEO at the Accommodation Association on 20 September, and replaces Dean Long, who was named the new boss at the Australian Federation of Travel Agents in July.
Accommodation Association chair Julian Clark said: “Richard has been heavily involved in the merger process and, in addition to his time as CEO of the association, he brings 35 years-plus experience in our sector.
“Richard is well-known to members and his approach, with a continued focus on advocacy, will resonate with the association’s membership base as the association continues to push for additional support for our sector.”
Commenting on his appointment, Munro said: “It is an honour to be returning to this role to work with the Accommodation Association and lead the association and its members through this milestone stage.
“I have been heavily involved in progressing the merger behind the scenes, and look forward to moving it through to completion to reinforce the fundamentals of the accommodation sector so that we can better meet the immediate challenges as well as those ahead.
“This is a sector that I love and believe in, and I am excited to be resuming the role of CEO of the association.”
