NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN TOURIST COMMISSION

The Chairman of the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC), Mr Nick Evers, today announced the appointment of Mr Ken Boundy, as the new Managing Director of the ATC.

Mr Boundy joins the ATC with 25 years experience in international marketing, export industries, global operations and government. Mr Boundy replaces Mr John Morse. Mr Boundy's most recent position was at James Hardie Industries Limited where he was Executive General Manager International for seven years. Prior to this he worked for Goodman Fielder, Mildara Wines and the Victoria Department of Industry, Technology and Resources.

Mr Evers said Mr Boundy has all of the qualifications to take the ATC and inbound tourism marketing and promotion to a new and higher level in the coming years.

"Throughout his career, Ken has demonstrated that he is an outstanding leader, strategist, marketer and team player," Mr Evers said. "He has had a strong focus on transforming and growing organisations, both in Australia and globally.

"Ken's appointment is a reflection of the new era that inbound tourism is entering. The industry today is one of Australia's biggest businesses and largest exporters. The role of the Managing Director of the ATC demands someone who can look at inbound tourism in the context of big business and work in consultation with the industry and government, both within Australia and overseas.

"Within the ATC, Ken will be looking at the ATC's government and industry funding situation, the structure of the ATC's Australian and international operations, the marketing mix and the use of technology and relationships with the State and Territory tourism organisations and the wider industry.

"Inbound visitor numbers and export earnings from tourism are forecast to double over the next 10 years to 10 million. The Board and I have confidence that Ken will lead an ATC team that ensures these forecasts will be realised," Mr Evers said.

Mr Boundy said he was attracted to the job because of what tourism can do for Australia. "From my experience in international markets, I have learned that Australia has one of the strongest brands in the world. I am passionate about building that brand and I believe that tourism can do great things for this country," Mr Boundy said.

"The challenge for the ATC and tourism is to take the goodwill that exists for Australia and develop the right tourism experiences for the consumer. However, it is an increasingly competitive world and to achieve success we will be working harder and smarter.

"I am looking to build a team and business at the ATC where nothing stands in the way of success. Likewise, I realise that the ATC is critically dependent on industry support and I look forward to working in close co-operation with all players," Mr Boundy said.

Mr Boundy is 49 years old and is married to Rhonda. They have four adult children.

PROFILE of KEN BOUNDY



Employment history

1994 - 2001 Executive General Manager, International,

James Hardie Industries Limited

1993 - 1994 Chief Executive,

Goodman Fielder Asia Holdings Limited

1991 - 1993 Group Corporate Development Manager,

Goodman Fielder Asia Holdings Limited

1986 - 1991 Marketing Director, Mildara Wines

1985 - 1986 Director, Industry Development
Victoria Department of Industry, Technology and Resources

1981 - 1985 Regional Manager,

Department of Agriculture

1974 - 1981 Research Scientist
Department of Agriculture


Education and qualifications

1986 MBA, Deakin University

1981 Master of Agricultural Science, Melbourne University

1973 Bachelor of Agriculture Science, Melbourne University


Professional affiliations

Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors

Fellow, Australian Institute of Management

Fellow, Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology