AusLeisure

Kevin Bowler has been named as the new Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand.

Bowler, currently head of Telecom/Yahoo joint venture Yahoo!Xtra, will lead the award-winning organisation from January, according to Tourism New Zealand Chairman Greg Muir. Bowler will replace George Hickton, who leaves in December following a decade-long tenure.

Bowler had also chaired the New Zealand Interactive Advertising Bureau and had extensive marketing and business leadership experience spanning fast-moving consumer goods, technology and media brands.

During Hickton's tenure, Australian tourist numbers increased to more than one million in a single year and the 100 Percent Pure New Zealand brand became globally established.

As Muir explains, "George and the team have done an outstanding job over the last decade positioning New Zealand as one of the best places to visit worldwide."

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