Former IHG development executive Tony South has just been named as the new Chairman of Tourism Australia.
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, made the announcement at the TTF annual Leadership Summit in Canberra today (Sep 16) that South would replace popular outgoing Chair, former Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon.
South, a board member of Tourism Australia since July 2014, has more than 40 years accounting, management, property brokerage and consulting experience, mostly in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.
He is currently a director of Campus Living Funds Management Limited and CAMS Limited (the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport), and an Advisory Board member of Quest Apartment Hotels.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O’Sullivan, was the opening keynote speaker at today’s Leadership Summit and applauded the appointment of South.
“Tony is obviously well-known to myself, Tourism Australia and to the broader Australian tourism industry, where he is well-respected and will bring a wealth of valuable industry experience to the role,” he told HM.
“Tony has served on Tourism Australia’s Board since July 2014, has chaired our Audit Committee and is currently acting as the interim deputy-Chair… We envisage a very smooth transition.”
TTF CEO, Margy Osmond, welcomed the appointment, saying South would bring experience and innovation to the chairmanship.
“I am delighted that a life member of TTF has assumed this role because it reflects the strong and constructive relationship we enjoy with Tourism Australia,” Osmond said.
“Tony South has been a wonderful contributor to the tourism industry for many years, filling many senior executive roles across the Asia Pacific and he will bring excellent skills and experience to the role of Chair at TA.
“TTF looks forward to continuing this close relationship with TA,” Osmond said.