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MARKETING body Surfers Paradise Alliance has appointed interim chief executive Mike Winlaw (pictured) as its new CEO.
Winlaw comes to the organisation with vast experience, following 18 months heading up a subsidiary of global hotel group Accor in Indonesia.
“I am looking forward to liaising with all key stakeholders of Surfers Paradise Alliance as we seek to fulfil our mission of ensuring that Surfers Paradise remains a vibrant hub of activity and fun for people of all ages,” says Winlaw, who has undertaken consultancy assignments with brands such as Coca Cola, Holcim (the world’s largest cement manufacturer) and Hunter Douglas (a giant in the home improvement business).
“At this stage I am working closely with the board and the team at SPA on marketing and events strategies that will see the precinct maintain its position as the number one tourist destination on the Gold Coast.
“Following the recent redevelopment of the Surfers Paradise Foreshore and the beginning of the Rapid Transit System project I feel that we will see a return of the Gold Coast resident market, as the precinct is certainly one to be proud of and a place to be for family fun and entertainment.
“With over $1.5 billion worth of inward investment for Surfers Paradise over the next few years in addition to the unveiling of the Gold Coast City Councils incredible long-term plans for the area, it is a great time to be involved in planning and supporting the precincts future.”
Surfers Paradise Alliance chairperson Laura Younger, says the appointment follows Winlaw’s success in the interim CEO role.
“He (Winlaw) brings to the role broad experience in destination marketing, consultancy and executive management, all factors that will assist him as he takes charge, during a time when the board of directors are charting a new course for the company responsible for marketing one of Australia’s most famous destinations,” she says.
“Surfers Paradise Alliance has a number of key stakeholders - Surfers Paradise businesses, Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Tourism being the most integral - Mike’s appointment is a reflection of the board’s intent to ensure that the organisation is a fully transparent and working with these bodies to achieve the organisations key goals.”
The organisation’s former CEO Rowena Howe stepped down in January.
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