It’s almost the end of an era over at Tourism New Zealand as Chief Executive of seven years, Kevin Bowler, announces his departure.
The tourism bureau’s Chair, Kerry Prendergast, confirmed this week that Bowler has submitted his resignation so that he can cross over to the beverage industry as the new New Zealand CEO of Frucor Beverages Limited.
His last day with Tourism New Zealand will be 28 October 2016.
During his seven year reign, Bowler brought the bureau into the digital world with digital-led campaigns and integrated marketing communications.
Bowler digitalised the bureau and helped bring celebrities like Megan Gale on board.
This includes the recently launched cycling campaign made up two videos published to YouTube featuring Megan Gale cycling her way around key destinations.
He also managed to score Titanic director James Cameron as one of several influencers to be the voice behind the next 100% Pure New Zealand campaign.
What a way to drop the mic!
Prendergast said during his tenure, Bowler not only “reinvigorated the way the country is marketed” but along with his team contributed to the 25 percent increase in visitor spend to $10.2 billion over the last 12 months alone.
“With the tourism industry delivering more value to the economy than ever before, Kevin leaves Tourism New Zealand is the best shape possible.”
Kerry Prendergast, Tourism New Zealand Chair
“His time at Tourism New Zealand has been marked by the remarkable success of leveraging international attention gained from the Rugby World Cup and The Hobbit films; the inspiring approach to using international ambassadors in our promotion; expansion into new markets and sectors, and significant partnerships with aviation and digital media partners.”
Tourism New Zealand’s Board will begin the process for replacing Kevin immediately with the first step being the appointment of an executive recruitment agency that will lead the search.
