Gold Coast Tourism CEO job goes to City of Perth’s Annaliese Battista

EXCLUSIVE: THE hunt for the new leader of Gold Coast Tourism is over — meet the woman who beat 200-plus applicants to secure the job.

GOLD Coast Tourism’s new boss is Annaliese Battista who leads the City of Perth’s economic development arm and has 17 years experience in management and marketing.

Mrs Battista has pencilled in early August as her start date to replace departing Gold Coast Tourism CEO of 10 years Martin Winter.

She told the Gold Coast Bulletin in an exclusive interview this morning she intends to “hit the ground running”.

New Gold Coast Tourism CEO Annaliese Battista

GET A TABLET WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN

She plans spend time on the Gold Coast early next month prior to officially starting to familiarise herself with Gold Coast Tourism’s 50-strong team.

“I’m privileged to be appointed to take on the leadership role of Gold Coast Tourism. I see the Gold Coast has the best Australia can offer for local, Australian and international visitors.”

New Gold Coast Tourism CEO Annaliese Battista (left). She is departing her role with the City of Perth leading the directorate responsible for City Economic Development and Activation. Here she is with City of Perth tourism award winner Patricia Sutherland.

Ms Battista leads a 70-strong team at City of Perth where she has been in her existing role just over two years and has previously been the marketing and communications manager.

Her CV also includes seven years as a reservist in the Australian air force.

Back in March, Ms Battista was appointed acting CEO of the City of Perth due to turmoil surrounding the abrupt departures of two CEOs in 10 days.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan. Photo by Richard Gosling

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan, revealing her appointment this morning after an exhaustive process whittling down 200-plus applicants, said she deserved the job and had particularly impressed when outlining her vision for the city and strategies to promote it.

“Martin Winter for 10 years has led the strategies and plans in marketing of the city domestically and internationally.

Outgoing Gold Coast Tourism chief executive Martin Winter

“Ms Battista will build on the current strong position of Gold Coast Tourism and City of Gold Coast through a fresh approach with innovative and creative plans.

Annaliese Battista intends to start as Gold Coast Tourism CEO in early August.

“The enthusiasm and passion for the role, proven deliverables in her current role, executive leadership skills and an understanding of the drivers of our city were key factors in the appointment,” he said.

SEE GOLD COAST BULLETIN TOMORROW FOR HER FIRST BIG INTERVIEW