Tourism New Zealand Chairman Greg Muir has today announced the
appointment of Kevin Bowler as its new CEO.
Kevin Bowler has extensive marketing and business leadership
experience spanning fast moving consumer goods, technology and
media brands in New Zealand and overseas.
He is currently CEO for start-up Yahoo!Xtra, a joint venture
between Yahoo!7 and Telecom. During this period Kevin Bowler has
taken a leadership role in the digital communications industry,
chairing the NZ Interactive Advertising Bureau since 2008.
Chairman Greg Muir said interest in the role had been strong,
with an impressive lineup of candidates.
"There was a great deal of interest in this role both from
within New Zealand and offshore, which is a mark of the reputation
that Tourism New Zealand has established."
"We were looking for someone with demonstrable leadership skills
and someone who understands the value of brands, the opportunities
that the online environment offers and the challenges of operating
on a global stage," he said.
Kevin Bowler will be based in Tourism New Zealand's Auckland
office and will spread his time between Wellington and Auckland
offices.
Prior to Yahoo!Xtra, he spent several years with Telecom,
initially leading the marketing-led resurgence in mobile with
initiatives like T3G and $10txt, then moving on to lead marketing
across Telecom's whole consumer business.
He worked in 'fast moving consumer goods' marketing and general
management both in New Zealand, with Unilever and NZ Dairy Foods,
and in the UK with Rank Hovis McDougall Foods. He also has
experience in advertising account management supporting Air New
Zealand while at HDM Mattingly and Cadbury while with DDB.
Kevin Bowler will take up his new role in early January.
In announcing the new appointment Greg Muir acknowledged
outgoing Chief Executive George Hickton.
"George and the team have done an outstanding job over the last
decade positioning New Zealand as one of the best places to visit
worldwide. Even this week New Zealand was, once again,
voted the
best destination brand."
For further information please contact Glenys Coughlan
on 021 464 316 or Cas Carter 021 915410.
Download a media image of Kevin
Bowler