TTF appoints Katie Lahey as Chair

Tourism lobby group Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has announced that Katie Lahey AM will become its next Chair - taking on the role when incumbent Bruce Baird's term expires in late November.

Anouncing the appointment, Baird said Katie Lahey is an outstanding appointment, stating "Katie Lahey is one of Australia’s pre-eminent business leaders and has an extraordinary record of achievement over many years.

“Katie’s depth of experience in business, industry associations, tourism and the arts makes her ideally suited to chair an organisation like TTF, which represents a broad cross-section of Australia’s tourism, transport and aviation sectors.

“Katie will bring a fresh perspective to TTF that will help position the organisation for the future and I congratulate her on the appointment.”

Lahey said she is very much looking forward to the role, adding “TTF is one of Australia’s leading industry groups and represents sectors that are critical to the national economy and to Australia’s future.

“I am excited to chair an organisation which leads policy development and champions the vital importance and potential of tourism, transport and aviation to the national economy.

“I am also privileged to take over from Bruce Baird, who has made an incredible contribution to these sectors in a range of roles over many years.”

TTF acting Chief Executive Trent Zimmerman said Katie Lahey’s appointment will ensure TTF retains its position as a leading industry body.

Zimmerman concluded “I am delighted to welcome Katie Lahey as our next chair and look forward to the benefit of her wisdom and experience in taking TTF into the next phase of its development,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Katie is a terrific choice to build on Bruce Baird’s legacy and I look forward to working with her.”

Katie Lahey AM
Currently Executive Chairman, Australasia for international recruitment consultants Korn Ferry, Katie Lahey AM is on the boards of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the NSW Export and Investment Advisory Board, and Echo Entertainment.

Lahey is a former Chairman of Carnival Australia, member of the David Jones Board, Australia Council Major Performing Arts Board, Director of Australia Post, Hills Motorway and the Garvan Research Foundation.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Lahey was the Chief Executive of The Business Council of Australia (BCA), an association of the leaders of Australia's 100 largest companies.

Before joining the BCA in 2001, Lahey was the Chief Executive of the State Chamber of Commerce (New South Wales) from 1995 to 2001, Chief Executive of the Sydney City Council from 1992 to 1995, and Chairman and Chief Executive of the Victorian Tourism Commission from 1989 to 1992.

In 2003, Lahey was awarded a Centenary Medal for her contribution to Australian society in the area of Business Leadership. In 2013 she was awarded an Order of Australia for her service to Business, Commerce and the Arts.

19th August 2014 - TOURISM CENTRAL TO ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AGENDA