New chairman appointed to Tourism BOP board

Tourism Bay of Plenty has announced a new chairman, Des Hammond (left), replacing Ian Smith (right) who is stepping down from the board after almost a decade. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Tourism Bay of Plenty chairman Ian Smith has stepped down from the board after nearly a decade, with Des Hammond taking up the chair role.

Mr Hammond is an independent director and chartered fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, and is currently an active member on the Bay of Plenty branch committee.

He has been a company director and executive, with more than 30 years of governance and leadership experience in the banking, finance, education and export sectors - both nationally and internationally.

Mr Hammond said he was looking forward to stepping into the role.

"It is an exciting era for the region with economic growth being experienced across several sectors. Tourism has the potential to be even more significant for the region and I look forward to being a part of that growth."

Mr Smith had been a trustee for nine years and assumed the chairman position last February when then-chairman Paul Bowker announced his retirement.

Mr Smith, who is owner-director of Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort and Beachaven Holiday Park, said during his time on the board he had seen the region's tourism industry continue to go great guns, but acknowledges it is time for a change.

"I've been very fortunate to be part of an organisation that is committed to taking the region from strength to strength, and I know Des will continue to take the organisation and the region in the right direction."

Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby thanked Mr Smith for his contribution to the region's tourism development in the last few years.

"Ian has provided great leadership to guide Tourism Bay of Plenty into the future and we would like to thank him for his engagement, especially for Tauranga, as well as the wider Bay of Plenty region."

The new chair is also joined by two new board members this month: Peter Moran and Will Wilson.