New Managing Director for Australian Tourism Export Council

The Chairman of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), John King, says he is confident that the organisation is well positioned to face the challenges of coming years.
King announced on Monday that Tasmanian tourism industry leader, Felicia Mariana, will take over as Managing Director of ATEC early in 2011.
For the past five years Mariani has been Chief Executive of Tourism Tasmania where she developed and led innovative, highly successful and results driven strategies.
At ATEC she replaces one of the tourism industryâs most experienced leaders, Matt Hingerty, who is leaving after six years in the position to pursue other interests.
In announcing the new appointment, ATEC Chairman John King said that Mariani would have a tough act to follow, but the organisation had every confidence in her ability to take it to a new level.
King explained that she brings to the role a unique set of credentials and experience in both the private and public sectors in tourism, financial services, marketing and communications, stating âFelicia will bring a level of passion, vision and articulation to the job that will enable her to effectively represent and champion the issues of the export tourism sector and the wider tourism industry.�?
Felicia is already well versed in the work of ATEC, having served on the organisationâs board for the past three years representing State and Territory tourism organisations. She also plays an important role in a number of working groups established by the Federal Minister for Tourism to implement the Long Term Tourism Strategy.
Mariani said she was delighted to have the opportunity to lead ATEC through what could be a difficult period for the industry stating âthe tourism industry generally, and the inbound sector in particular, will face increasing challenges in the short to medium term. I look forward to working with the Board and the industry to redefine a future that will create new opportunities for growing our industry.�?
King paid tribute to the outgoing Managing Director, Matt Hingerty, who had decided not to commit to a further contract period, having completed two terms of three years in the role, adding âI canât speak highly enough of the role and contribution Matt has made in those six years. As a result of his stewardship, the organisation he leaves early next year is vastly more robust, respected and effective than the one he joined.
âIn looking for a successor the ATEC Board recast the profile and priorities of the role to build upon the strengths and legacy Matt leaves behind.�?
King explained that the recruitment process was undertaken by a subcommittee of the ATEC Board and had attracted a list of high quality candidates, adding âin the final analysis the Board felt that Marianiâs combination of experience, skills and personality was best suited to the current needs of the organisation.
âWe are confident she will bring added value to the organisationâs members and ensure ATECâs success in the future.�?

http://www.atec.net.au