Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) has announced Katie Lahey will become its next Chair.
Lahey will assume the role of Chair when the term of incumbent Bruce Baird expires in late November.
Baird said Katie Lahey was an outstanding appointment.
“Katie Lahey is one of Australia’s pre-eminent business leaders and has an extraordinary record of achievement over many years,” he said.
“Katie’s depth of experience in business, industry associations, tourism and the arts makes her ideally suited to chair an organisation like TTF, which represents a broad cross-section of Australia’s tourism, transport and aviation sectors.
“Katie will bring a fresh perspective to TTF that will help position the organisation for the future and I congratulate her on the appointment,” he said.
Lahey said she is very much looking forward to the role.
“TTF is one of Australia’s leading industry groups and represents sectors that are critical to the national economy and to Australia’s future,” she said.
“I am excited to chair an organisation which leads policy development and champions the vital importance and potential of tourism, transport and aviation to the national economy.
“I am also privileged to take over from Bruce Baird, who has made an incredible contribution to these sectors in a range of roles over many years.”
TTF Acting Chief Executive Trent Zimmerman said Lahey’s appointment will ensure TTF retains its position as a leading industry body.
“I am delighted to welcome Katie Lahey as our next chair and look forward to the benefit of her wisdom and experience in taking TTF into the next phase of its development,” he said.
“Katie is a terrific choice to build on Bruce Baird’s legacy and I look forward to working with her.”
Australia’s Shadow Minister for Tourism, Anthony Albanese, welcomed the appointment and said she was an outstanding choice for the role.
“She is a highly experienced and respected business leader with a proven track record in advancing the interests of the sectors which she represents.
“I look forward to working with her and the Tourism and Transport Forum on commencement of her role.
“I thank outgoing Chair Bruce Baird for his tireless advocacy for the sector and wish him well for the future,” he said.
Baird was acknowledged for his advocacy at the 2014 HM Awards with a Service to the Industry award.