Board announced for Experience Gold Coast entity

Gold Coast Council has announced the board of directors to the new entity - Experience Gold Coast -marking a significant milestone in the merger of the City’s controlled and funded entities.

In February, Council resolved to amalgamate the functions currently delivered by HOTA, Destination Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast and Placemakers.

More than 100 expressions of interest were received for the roles that will be charged with driving visitation growth and economic investment for the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate advised “as expected, the applications were of an extremely high calibre and choosing just eight was not easy.

“But we are confident we have an extremely committed and passionate group who understand the vision we have for this entity and the Gold Coast.

“This is a really exciting time for the Gold Coast as we look towards 2032 and we need to keep our eye on the ball, leveraging every opportunity that comes our way.”

The creation of Experience Gold Coast will result in about $6.8 million in direct savings annually to be reinvested back into the entity for tourism, events, arts and education programs.

Chairperson:
The Hon Rob Borbidge AO – former Premier of Queensland, former member for Surfers Paradise, Chair of Study Gold Coast, Chairman of Life Flight, Senior Advisor for Govstrat Pty Ltd.

Directors:
Jackie Cross - Major Events Gold Coast board of directors, Director Cross Promotions International
Louise Bezzina - Artistic Director Brisbane Festival and former Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bleached Arts Ltd (Placemakers).
Clark Kirby - Destination Gold Coast and Major Events Gold Coast Board of Directors Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Village Roadshow Group.
The Hon Kate Jones – former Minister for State Development, Tourism & Innovation, Executive Director for Tech Council of Australia, Independent Commissioner on the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Adam Twemlow – Destination Gold Coast board of directors, Partner in Charge KPMG Enterprise division in Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria.
Danielle McFall-Weiss - HOTA Board of directors, Queensland Ballet Board of directors, Arts Manager.
Rebecca Frizelle OAM - former Chief Operating Officer Frizelle Sunshine Automotive, Co-owner Gold Coast Titans. Destination Gold Coast board of directors

The remaining two positions will be filled by City of Gold Coast Chief Executive Tim Baker and Mayor Tate as ex-officio directors.

The inaugural Chief Executive of Experience Gold Coast is yet to be announced.