Council has resolved to appoint a highly-credentialled board of directors to the new super entity Experience Gold Coast, marking a significant milestone in the merger of the City's controlled and funded entities.
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.
"As expected, the applications were of an extremely high calibre and choosing just eight was not easy," Mayor Tom Tate said.
"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," Mayor Tate said.
"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."
In February, Council resolved to amalgamate the functions currently delivered by HOTA, Destination Gold Coast, Major Events Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast and Placemakers.
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.
The merger will see even greater collaboration and alignment, with a collective focus on enhancing the Gold Coast's global reputation
A $1.5 million community arts fund will also be established to support arts and cultural programming in the city.
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 CEO 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 CEO Tim Baker and Mayor Tate as ex-officio directors.
The board is expected to meet later this week with one of the first matters for discussion to be the recruitment of the inaugural CEO of Experience Gold Coast.
