Tourism Australia Announces Appointment of Executive General Manager Global Markets

Tourism Australia has announced the appointment of Ms Kathryn (Kath) O’Brien as the organisation’s Executive General Manager (EGM) Global Markets, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience in tourism and aviation to the role.

In this role, Ms O’Brien will have responsibility for managing Tourism Australia’s network of international offices across 16 global markets along with airline and distribution channel partnerships.

Speaking about the appointment, Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack said Ms O’Brien has a proven track record of leading international teams across tourism and aviation.

"Kath brings to Tourism Australia significant skill and experience having worked across a range of international facing roles in sales, distribution, product and marketing strategy to deliver both revenue growth and strong stakeholder relationships,” Mr Mack said.“

“With a strong combination of business acumen and excellent people leadership skills we are excited about what Ms O’Brien can bring to the role and our organisation, to attract high yielding visitors in a time of intense competitiveness in destination marketing.”

Ms O’Brien joins Tourism Australia from Air New Zealand, where she is currently General Manager Australia with responsibility for leading distribution, commercial, partnerships, sales, marketing and operations for the airline in Australia.

Ms O’Brien said she was thrilled to be joining the national tourism organisation at this pivotal moment.

“As someone who has spent a lifetime working in the industry, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Tourism Australia and represent Australian tourism and work with our teams and partners around the world.”

Prior to Air New Zealand, Ms O’Brien has held roles at Experience Co, where she was global Chief Commercial Officer, and at Hamilton Island Enterprises, where during her 17-year tenure her numerous roles included global General Manager Sales.

Ms O’Brien will commence in the new role at Tourism Australia on 10 August.