Ex-Sunrise host David Koch announced as new chair of SA Tourism Commission

Former Sunrise co-host David Koch has revealed his surprising new career following after ending his long television career.

Former Sunrise co-host David Koch has revealed his surprising new career move a year after his resignation from the high-profile breakfast TV show.

Koch – affectionately known as “Kochie” – stepped down from Seven’s breakfast program in October 2023 after more than 20 years on the Sunrise couch.

On Thursday he was announced as the new chair of the South Australian Tourism Commission, the peak body promoting tourism to SA.

He replaces Andrew Bullock, who has served as the chair of the commission since 2019.

David Koch has been revealed as the new chair of the South Australian Tourism Commission following his resignation as Sunrise co-host last year. Picture: Supplied / Seven News

“A passionate South Australian and media professional, Kochie is a leading advocate for small business and a high-profile finance commentator,” the SATC said in a statement.

As chair, the Sydney-based Koch will work with the SATC board to “set the strategic agenda for the commission”.

The SATC was set up as an independent statutory authority to help “market South Australia as a holiday destination nationally and internationally” and secure “major events and festivals to grow the visitor economy”, according to the SA government’s website.

Koch will hold the role for three years, effective from July 2.

“We do the best food and wine in the nation, and we have some of the nation’s most spectacular regions,” Koch said in response to the announcement.

“We also retain a reputation for delivering first class major events and festivals.

Koch (pictured with co-host Natalie Barr) stepped down from the Seven Network’s breakfast TV show after more than 20 years as co-host. Picture: NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“More recently, the perceptions of Adelaide and South Australia have shifted significantly on the east coast – and we have an opportunity to capitalise on this momentum to grow our tourism sector even further.”
Koch said he had a passion for small business, something he wanted to focus on in his new role as SATC’s chair.

The Adelaide-born presenter is also the executive chairman of Pinstripe Media and has been chair of the Port Adelaide Football Club since 2012.

His last broadcast as co-host on Sunrise – a position he has held since 2002 – was on June 9 last year.

Koch will work with the SATC Board to “set the strategic agenda for the commission” and promote and enhance tourism in SA. Picture: Supplied

However Koch continues to appear on the program and The Morning Show, offering business and financial commentary.

He is the longest-serving breakfast television host in Australian history, broadcasting a record 16,000 hours of live TV across more than 5300 shows and conducting 50,000 interviews.

Former Olympian Matt “Shirvo” Shirvington replaced Kochie as Nat Barr’s co-host.

“I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years,” Koch said after news of his resignation broke.

“I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making.

“It really is the world’s best job.”

Last month, he appeared on the program announcing his daughter Georgie was going to be a mother soon.