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• Executive Management Team

Chief Executive Officer - Rebecca Brown PSM

Rebecca commenced as Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) in September 2018. In this role, she is also Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Western Australia.  Rebecca has overseen significant changes across JTSI to position the agency as critical to advancing the State Government's key policy agendas, including growing local jobs, diversifying the state's industry base and export potential and continuing to leverage the broader research, science and innovation community to advance outcomes for Western Australia. She was appointed Acting Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet from March 2020 to May 2021 to support the State Government's early response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebecca returned to her role as Director General of JTSI in June 2021. She has worked across both Federal and State Government agencies in a range of senior roles across revenue and economic policy, social policy, resourcing and performance. Rebecca has held senior positions at both WA Treasury and the WA Department of the Premier and Cabinet, where she oversaw key reforms between the public and non-profit community sectors.  

Managing Director - Carolyn Turnbull

Carolyn Turnbull is the Managing Director at Tourism WA and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency, including the promotion of WA as an incredible tourism destination, working with industry and government to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences and delivering a world-class events calendar. 

Carolyn has more than 20 years of international experience in the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, and spearheaded the development of the Western Gateway as Chief Aviation Development Officer at Perth Airport.   Carolyn is a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration Advanced Management Program and holds an Executive MBA in Hospitality Management through Nanyang Business School, Singapore. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors .

Chief Financial Officer - Renato Sansalone 

Renato is responsible for our financial and accounting services and ensuring the agency's compliance with financial matters. Renato has more than 25 years' experience working in finance-related positions within the WA Public Sector. Previous agencies include the Department of Culture and the Arts, where he held Chief Financial Officer roles at the Art Gallery of WA and the WA Museum, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, and the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor. Renato joined Tourism WA in 2012 and is also currently the Chief Finance Officer for the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Anzac Day Trust.

Executive Director - Corporate Services - Scott Davis

Scott leads the Corporate Services team which supports the agency by providing financial services, legal, risk management, human resources management, information management, ICT and procurement/contract services.  With over 25 years of broad international management and leadership experience across both the public and private sectors, Scott has joined the agency on secondment from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety where he has led functions including business innovation, licensing services and regulatory reform.

Exec utive Director - Marketing - Melissa Forbes

Melissa and her team focus on implementing our marketing strategy in Australia and our key international markets, leading the WA tourism brand strategy and the development and implementation of destination marketing campaigns.  The division oversees trade partnerships, media buying, brand and creative, digital platforms, data strategy, social content, public relations, and familiarisations, and management of Tourism WA’s 11 global marketing offices.  Melissa has nearly 20 years of brand and marketing experience, leading teams across the government, hospitality and travel sectors, including destination marketing projects at the City of Perth, and overseeing public relations at Voyages Hotels and Resorts, based at Ayers Rock . 

Executive Director - Events - Anna Last

Anna leads the Tourism WA Events division, which develops, sponsors, markets and promotes a diverse calendar of sporting, cultural, arts and culinary events that showcase Western Australia and give visitors a time-specific reason to visit the state. This includes support for major and regional events through the Tourism WA Major Events Fund, Regional Events Program and Regional Events Scheme. Anna joined Tourism WA in 2021, with over a decade of experience in partnerships, media and communications, having worked internationally in London and in Melbourne and Perth. Most recently, Anna managed the Corporate Partnerships team at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne .     Executive Director - Destination Development - Renata Lowe

Executive Director - Strategy and Engagement - Steph Underwood

Director - Office of the Managing Director - Hannah Moore

Hannah has been in the public sector for more than 15 years and joins us from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, where she was the Executive Manager for Aboriginal Engagement for more than two years. Hannah has had many roles in her career, including within the Department of Communities, the Department of Justice (working in the Commissioner of Corrective Services' office), and working for the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations at Parliament House. Hannah has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Public Relations, and brings a great wealth of experience in Ministerial processes and protocol, governance, and budget management to the agency.

Director - Corporate Communications - Kate Hodges

Kate leads the Corporate Communications team within the broader Strategy and Engagement division. The Corporate Communications team is responsible for promoting the work of the agency to the WA tourism industry, domestic news media and the wider community. The team focuses on strategic communications, media relations, speech writing, digital communications and print publications, as well as internal communications and events for the agency. Kate has more than a decade of media and communications experience across a range of diverse industries including journalism, business, industry advocacy and local government, with more than five years’ experience in the Australian tourism sector, having joined Tourism WA in 2022 after working for Tourism Australia.

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Last Reviewed: 2024-03-05

Acknowledgement of Country Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

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Carolyn Turnbull

Carolyn Turnbull is the Managing Director at Tourism WA and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency including the promotion of WA as an incredible tourism destination, working with industry and government to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences and delivering a world-class events calendar. Carolyn has more than 20 years of international leadership experience in the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, and spearheaded the development of the western gateway as Chief Aviation Development Officer at Perth Airport. Carolyn is a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration Advanced Management Program and holds an Executive MBA in Hospitality Management through Nanyang Business School, Singapore. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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Tourism WA welcomes new managing director

Former Perth Airport executive Carolyn Turnbull has been appointed as Tourism Western Australia’s new managing director, for a five-year term that will commence October 18, 2021.

Turnbull brings 20 years of international leadership experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, and joined Tourism WA in 2020 as the executive director – industry, aviation and markets.

The industry leader’s experience includes senior executive roles with global hospitality brands including Aman Resorts.

Before joining Tourism WA, Turnbull was spearheading the development of the western gateway as chief aviation development officer at Perth Airport.

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Tourism WA appoints new managing director

Tourism Western Australia has announced the appointment of Carolyn Turnbull as its new managing director.

Turnbull brings more than 20 years of international leadership experience in the tourism and hospitality industry to the role, and joined Tourism WA in 2020 as the agency’s executive director of industry, aviation and markets.

Tourism WA chair Di Bain said: “With extensive experience internationally in the tourism and hospitality industry, Carolyn will provide great leadership, particularly as we look to reignite our pre-COVID momentum and welcome the return of visitation.”

Turnbull will take the helm of Tourism WA from Derryn Belford, who has acted in the role since the departure of Brodie Carr late last year.

“In the 13 years Derryn has been with the department, she has made an outstanding contribution to Tourism WA and the tourism industry,” Bain said.

“Her dedication to the industry became all the more apparent when Derryn stepped up to oversee Tourism WA in late 2020, supporting the department during what has been a challenging time for the tourism industry.”

Belford said: “I have been fortunate to meet and work with some wonderful people at Tourism WA – I am incredibly grateful for this.

“I wish Carolyn all the best as managing director. While I know there is still so much to do to help the industry in its ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, I know Carolyn will tackle the task head-on with the help of an amazing and resourceful team.

Turnbull will commence her new role as Tourism WA’s managing director on Monday.

“I am delighted to be heading up Tourism WA as we continue to work with industry to elevate the state as a leading destination of choice when we are ready to welcome our domestic and international markets back to WA,” she said.

“I acknowledge the wonderful groundwork and the milestones that have been achieved through Derryn Belford’s leadership of the agency over the last 12 months.

“I recognise there are many challenges ahead, and I am proud to be entrusted to lead Tourism WA over this important phase of recovery, as we accelerate progress towards a new era for our tourism sector.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison welcomed Turnbull’s promotion.

“Carolyn’s appointment comes at a critical time for tourism as Australia prepares to reopen to the world and, at Tourism Australia, we look forward to working with her,” Harrison said.

“Carolyn brings a wealth of experience, a passion for our industry and the energy that will be key to leading and driving Tourism WA’s interests forward.”

Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA chief executive Bradley Woods said Turnbull is held in high regard within WA’s hospitality, accommodation and tourism sector.

“The AHA warmly welcomes Carolyn to the role of managing director. We are confident Tourism WA is in safe hands under her leadership,” he said.

“We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Carolyn and we know that she has the necessary experience, vision and energy to lead the agency in the critical years ahead.

“Prior to the pandemic, WA was experiencing record levels of visitation  and we look forward to working closely with Carolyn to ensure we rebound from COVID-19 as quickly as possible.”

Business Events Perth CEO Gareth Martin said he looked forward to working alongside Turnbull through the continued recovery of the business events and tourism industry.

“Business events such as conferences play a major role in boosting business tourism, trade and investment in WA’s economy, as well as supporting local jobs and creating an avenue for knowledge exchange and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our close partnership with Tourism WA to bring these lucrative events to Australia’s west coast,” he said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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Home » News » Experience Co. CEO John O’Sullivan joins Tourism WA board

Experience Co. CEO John O’Sullivan joins Tourism WA board

Tourism Western Australia has announced the appointment of renowned industry leader John O’Sullivan to its board of commissioners.

O’Sullivan is the CEO and executive director of ASX-listed adventure tourism company Experience Co. – a role he was appointed to last year after five years at the helm of Tourism Australia.

During his time at Tourism Australia, O’Sullivan oversaw the agency’s famous ‘Dundee’ campaign starring actors Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride.

He brings to the Tourism WA board more than 25 years’ experience in senior executive roles across travel and tourism, as well as media (Fox Sports Australia), sports (Football Federation Australia) and the entertainment sector (Events Queensland).

O’Sullivan currently holds positions on both the Experience Co. board and the Super Netball commission.

He will join the board on 1 July 2020 for an initial one-year term, with his appointment bringing the total number of Tourism WA’s board commissioners to 10.

Current Tourism WA board members Di Bain, Kevin Brown, Valerie Davies, Manny Papadoulis, Karen Priest, and Linda Wayman have all had their terms extended.

Commenting on O’Sullivan’s appointment, WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said: “It is my pleasure to welcome John O’Sullivan to Tourism WA.

“John’s expertise and credentials are well established, with his work on the 2018 Superbowl advertisement generating terrific exposure for Australian tourism.

“Last year, Western Australia enjoyed its own Chris Hemsworth-inspired success with his record-breaking quokka selfie, and we look forward to working with John on further innovative ways to promote WA.”

O’Sullivan’s appointment comes as Western Australia readies for the next phase of its COVID-19 recovery.

Phase four of WA’s roadmap to relax coronavirus restrictions starts on Saturday 27 June, which will see all existing gathering limits and the 100/300 rule removed, meaning gathering limits will now only be determined by the state’s reduced two-square-metre rule.

The fourth phase will also allow alcohol to be served at venues as part of unseated service arrangements, and all events permitted except for large-scale, multi-stage music festivals. For WA’s major sport and entertainment venues, a 50 per cent capacity rule will apply.

Depending on infection rates locally, WA plans to implement phase five on Saturday 18 July and will result in the removal of the two-square-metre rule.

The fifth phase is also expected to see the removal of all gathering restrictions, other COVID-related rules introduced by the state government and the 50 per cent capacity limit for major venues.

A tentative date for the removal of WA’s hard border was planned to be included as part of phase six. However, this has been put on hold due to the rapidly evolving situation in Victoria.

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Another DG gone as WA boss quits

By david donaldson.

The West Australian government continues to lose top public servants, as Tourism WA CEO Stephanie Buckland becomes the fifth senior bureaucrat to announce her resignation so far this year.

Buckland will leave the job, which she has held since 2011, to become the CEO of a large aged care provider.

Before her appointment, Buckland spent a year and a half as acting CEO. She was previously executive director of marketing at Tourism WA and head of marketing at BankWest.

Her departure follows the announcement that Department of Premier and Cabinet director-general Peter Conran would retire mid-year, citing health and family reasons. Conran, known for his ability to fix problems on the government’s behalf, held senior roles in the Northern Territory and Commonwealth, including the office of former prime minister John Howard between 2001 and 2007.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is seeing off two senior people — current director-general, commissioner for main roads and CEO of the Public Transport Authority Reece Waldock plans retire in July after six years, while managing director Steve Troughton has decided to take up a senior transport job in the New South Wales public sector.

Tina Chinery, the boss of the new Perth Children’s hospital, left for a job in Cairns.

The state’s Public Sector Commission is also still in the process of recruiting a director-general of the Department of Water and a DG for the Department of Commerce, according to its recruitment website .

‘She goes out with a great record’

The announcement of Buckland’s resignation comes just a few weeks after Premier Colin Barnett appointed himself Tourism Minister in a cabinet reshuffle — and less than a year before the WA state election in March.

A department spokesperson said Buckland had applied for the job before Barnett became minister, reports  PerthNow .

Although the opposition says the spate of resignations is evidence of problems within the government, the premier maintains it’s nothing unusual.

“She’s applied for another job and she got it. It’s a career advancement for Stephanie,”  he said . “She stayed for a good period of time. She goes out with a great record. The department will go out and seek a new director.”

“It’ll just be a normal replacement process. We’ll want to fill that as quickly as we can because it’s an important role and tourism is developing in Western Australia very rapidly.”

Buckland’s last day will be Friday, July 22.

David Donaldson is a former journalist at The Mandarin .

Tags: Colin Barnett Peter Conran Stephanie Buckland WA Department of Premier and Cabinet WA Department of Transport and Main Roads

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Transport boss called in to fix tourism as dumped chief gets $500k payout

The West Australian Government has seconded its top transport boss to help restructure its super department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Transport chief executive officer Richard Sellers will spend three months overseeing the department after its director-general Stephen Wood was forced out last week .

Premier Mark McGowan said while the Government searched for a new director-general, Mr Sellers would advise on structural and operational department changes.

"We want to elevate tourism inside that agency," Mr McGowan said.

"Tourism, trade, international education … [Mr Sellers is] going to work on ways we can elevate that within that agency."

Earlier this week, Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the super department needed to be overseen by someone with tourism experience to accomplish that goal.

Dumped boss to receive $500,000 payout

The ABC can reveal taxpayers will fork out almost half a million dollars to Mr Wood following the Government's decision to sack him.

A spokesman for Mr McGowan said the $498,060 compensation payment to Mr Wood, whose annual salary was $413,000, was determined by the Public Sector Commissioner under the provisions of the relevant act.

Mr Wood's sacking came after the Government in August extended his contract until late 2021.

When the Government sacked Gwyn Dolphin as Tourism WA chief executive officer, he received a $375,000 payout.

When Mr Wood was appointed director-general of the new Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Government also controversially made him Tourism WA CEO as well as part of its machinery-of-government changes.

The decision has long been criticised and sparked repeated calls from industry for a standalone Tourism WA CEO.

The situation became particularly contentious when recent figures showed a decline in the number of international tourists visiting WA , which was the only state to experience a drop in numbers in 2017 in the latest international visitor survey.

Figures from December 2016 to December 2017

It is understood Mr Wood's departure was not related to those tourism figures, rather the actual management of the agency.

Mr McGowan said the Government's tourism portfolio brief had been given to Mr Woods but he "was very opposed to it".

"Therefore, we had to make changes," Mr McGowan said.

Currently senior bureaucrats can seek a compensation payment of up to 12 months' remuneration, which includes salary, motor vehicle allowances and superannuation.

Proposed legislative changes to come to Parliament soon would limit the maximum compensation payment to 12 months' salary only.

Department merger mishandled, Opposition say

The Premier said Mr Sellers, who was overseeing the Government's major public transport plan Metronet, was a suitable replacement for Mr Woods.

"He understands the brief," Mr McGowan said.

"He is a long-time public servant with long experience in mining in particular and economic development."

Mr Sellers was director-general of Mines and Petroleum for seven years before moving to the Department of Transport in 2016.

When the Premier was asked if Mr Sellers had more tourism experience than Mr Wood, he emphasised the relevance of the transport boss's mining experience.

However, Mr McGowan was unable to respond to suggestions Mr Wood may in fact have had more experience in mining than his replacement.

"I don't know the answer to that specific question," Mr McGowan said.

"His brief is to elevate tourism within the agency and that wasn't happening before."

Opposition Leader Mike Nahan said taxpayers were paying a high price for the Government's mishandling of the decision to merge Tourism WA into a super department.

"The real problem lies with the decision of the Government," Mr Nahan said.

"It is a mess of the Government's making and they were warned."

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Teen Takes Over as Tourism WA Chief for a Day!

Posted by Nichapa Ratchanathammachai | Nov 23, 2023 | Western Australia | 0 |

Tourism WA is running its second year of the ‘MD for a Day’ program – a new youth development and leadership initiative, showcasing the variety of roles and opportunities available to young West Australians within the state’s tourism industry.

The annual program positions the WA tourism sector as an aspirational career choice and aims to raise the profile of the industry among local secondary school students to support building a pipeline of future workers.

This year’s participant is Loc Vo, a 16-year-old student at Girrawheen Senior High School. On Tuesday, 28 November, Loc will shadow Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull for a day to gain insight into the operations of WA’s State Tourism Organisation and the sector overall.

This includes exposure to the diverse range of activities the agency carries out across its Marketing, Events, Aviation, Strategy & Engagement and Destination Development divisions.

Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull said the ‘MD for a Day’ initiative is all about giving aspiring young leaders an opportunity to learn firsthand about the many different elements of the tourism industry, and gain insight into the varied and exciting career paths the sector can offer.

“I am committed to raising the profile of the sector among secondary school students – they are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is so important to continually build a pipeline of workers to support the industry into the future,” said Ms Turnbull.

“Loc is an inspiring young leader with a real passion for tourism. I look forward to working with equally dedicated young people as the initiative continues to create opportunities for students for years to come.”

Loc Vo, year 11 student and 2023 MD for a Day said their ideal tourism position would be a Tour Operator Guide in Western Australia.

“I am looking forward to showing visitors from all over the world my expertise and passion as I explore our magnificent state’s various landscapes, thriving cities, and rich cultural heritage,” said Loc.

“The MD for a Day program is a great initiative to explore other potential career opportunities within the tourism industry. As well as gaining practical experience, I am eager to learn from the sector’s experts.

“I look forward to following Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull for a full day, meeting local operators and hearing firsthand about support for tourism in WA.”

The MD for a Day program complements a range of key initiatives and activities to target youth and grow skilled future workforce through the Tourism Workforce Development Program, including:

• The Chef Ambassador Program, an in-school cooking demonstration • An ongoing program of in-school Tourism and Hospitality Careers Promotion Program • Participation at a series of key Perth and regional job and career expos throughout the year and • Delivery of a series of regional job ready and upskilling workshops throughout the state in partnership with the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.

Launched in August 2022, the Tourism Workforce Development Program is delivered through Tourism WA and continues to fund short-term programs to address the worker shortage in the visitor economy, while also supporting longer-term initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to consider hospitality and tourism careers.

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