Destination Queenstown CEO stepping down
Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd is leaving early next year for pastures new.
Budd has been at the regional tourism organisation for more than a decade and leaves at the end of January 2020 to take over as chief executive of Great South, Southland’s regional development agency.
"Graham’s contribution to Destination Queenstown over his 12-year tenure has been incredibly positive, during a time when Queenstown as a destination has gone through many changes," said Destination Queenstown chairman Richard Thomas.
"He has lead the organisation through significant milestones, including a total re-brand in 2015, the 30th anniversary of DQ, the evolution of the organisation and the increased focus on place-making and sustainability."
Budd represented the Queenstown tourism industry and Queenstown Lakes District at a national level whilst serving on the boards of Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Regional Tourism New Zealand.
Destination Queenstown recently promoted Sophie Archibald to the position of New Zealand business development and marketing manager, responsible for trade and business event marketing.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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