Visit Sunshine Coast appoints new Head of Marketing

Visit Sunshine Coast has announced the appointment of Kelly Ryan - a highly experienced tourism marketer - to the key role of Head of Marketing. Ryan will commence her new role from early July.

During the past 12 years, Ryan has supported the Canberra tourism industry in senior marketing roles including as Director of Strategy and Insights as well as Director of Marketing at VisitCanberra.

In this capacity, Ryan was responsible for leading a marketing team of 15 staff in delivering strategies and campaigns for the Australian Capital Territory. Most notable of these was the Human Brochure which was awarded best National Destination Marketing Campaign at the Australian Tourism Awards In 2014. 

Most recently, Ryan has been working at the highly regarded National Portrait Gallery in Canberra where she has held the position of Manager External Relations for the past eighteen months.  

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive, Matt Stoeckel welcomed Kelly to Team Sunshine Coast at what is a critical time for the destination and noted “Kelly is a well-recognised leader in tourism marketing with a proven track record of delivering results for destinations and national attractions.

“Kelly's wealth of experience and passion for destination marketing make her a natural fit for the Sunshine Coast. During her time with VisitCanberra she led a high performing marketing team that contributed towards record visitor arrivals to the region, and I know she can do the same for us.

“Critically, Kelly’s experience in brand management will be fundamental to rolling out Sunshine Coast's new destination brand, 'For real'.”