KATE NEWTON Former Hawke's Bay man Tom Hamilton has been appointed to head Hawke's Bay Incorporated but the company now has more boots to fill with marketing manager Aaron Hing leaving last Friday. Hawke's Bay Inc, the region's tourism and economic development body, was formed in September 2004 by the merging ofHawke's Bay Tourism and the Hawke's Bay Economic Development Agency. Since former chief executive officer Murray Nash resigned in February, after only 10 months, the board had waded through 40 applications. Hawke's Bay Inc chairman Ross Bramwell said the appointment of Mr Hamilton was a unanimous decision based on his knowledge and support for Hawke's Bay, as well as established local and international networks. Mr Hamilton is currently the chief operating officer for SIS'88 PTE Ltd, a subsidiary of the British Commodities Trading House that specialises in distributing sugar and food ingredients throughout Asia. Mr Hamilton has been based in Singapore since 2000 but originally hailed from Central Hawke's Bay. "I enjoy the challenge of creating, building and growing a professional organisation and know that I can foster economic development including tourism," Mr Hamilton said. Mr Bramwell said he was aware it had been a long time since Mr Nash resigned but the process of replacement needed to be thorough. "His enthusiasm and proven track record for building strong relationships and business growth shone through," Mr Bramwell said. Mr Hamilton will return to the Bay in the next few weeks with wife Victoria and three children. Mr Hing's resignation was on good terms, Mr Bramwell said. It would be decided whether to replace him once Mr Hamilton fills the chief executive role.
