NT Major Events Company announces new CEO Suzana Bishop

A tourism and events heavyweight has landed the important role of leading NT Major Events Company. Read about her vision for Territory tourism.

NT Major Events Company has announced Suzana Bishop will be the new CEO. Picture: Supplied

The Territory’s peak events and tourism body has a new boss at its helm.

NT Major Events Company has recruited Victorian import Suzana Bishop as chief executive.

She succeeds Tim Watsford, who led the company for close to five years before taking a new role with Supercars in the Gold Coast in October.

Ms Bishop brings with her 25 years’ experience in the tourism and events industry, most recently as chief experience officer at Federation Square.

In Victoria her career saw her work with the Australian Grand Prix, the Melbourne Convention and the Royal Melbourne Show.

Suzana Bishop (right) kicking off Christmas at Melbourne’s Federation Square in 2021 along with Rabbi Gabi and Lord Mayor Sally Capp. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Ms Bishop has served on many task forces and boards both nationally and across southern cities, including the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Canberra International Music Festival, Port of Echuca, and Meetings and Events of Australia.

Ms Bishop started her new role on Monday.

“I look forward to working with the NTMEC team and key stakeholders in the events industry to ensure the Territory continues delivering high calibre events that give interstate visitors a reason to experience everything from the Top End, Red Centre and everything in between,” Ms Bishop said.

One of NT Major Events Company’s key events Red CentreNATS generated a total expenditure of $6.9m in 2022. Picture: NT Major Events

NTMEC board chairman Alistair Feehan said her appointment marked an exciting new chapter for the company.

“With years of experience in delivering destination events and experience strategies, we know Suzana will be a strong advocate for delivering exceptional events that drive visitation and generate incredible results for the Territory economy,” Mr Feehan said.

“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Suzana and her family, and hope they settle into their new Territory lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Former NT Major Events Company chief executive Tim Watsford has taken a role with Supercars in the Gold Coast. Picture: Keri Megelus

“This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for NTMEC and the Board is looking forward to working with Suzana to ensure the company continues achieving many positive outcomes for the Territory by delivering and supporting a world-class portfolio of events.

“We’d also like to wish Tim and his family all the very best for their next chapter in Queensland, and sincerely thank him for his steady and innovative leadership at NTMEC since 2018.”

Mr Watsford played a crucial role in making sure Territory events like the Million Dollar Fish competition and Red CentreNATS went from strength to strength, even through the pandemic.

Prior to joining NTMEC he held executive positions in the sport industry, notably the National Rugby League and Rugby Australia.

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Originally published as NT Major Events Company announces new CEO Suzana Bishop