Tourism board appoints new chair

One of Geelong’s most highly credentialed non-profit executives, Bill Mithen, will start a new role as Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine (TGGB) chair.

Mr Mithen will commence his new position on April 12 for a three-year term, the tourism body announced today.

The incoming chair said he was looking forward to helping lead the organisation at a critical juncture, as the local tourism industry recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.

“As a born and bred Geelong local I’m excited about the future opportunities for Geelong and The Bellarine,” Mr Mithen said.

“Restoring tourism and the visitor economy will be crucial to our region’s future growth and recovery from the pandemic and I’m honoured to be given an opportunity to continue to play a role.”

Mr Mithen is currently the chief executive officer of Geelong’s Give Where You Live Foundation, board chair at gforce Employment and Recruitment and is a member of the Barwon Regional Partnership.

His previous experience includes five years as chair of G21 Geelong Region Alliance and a stint as deputy chair of Wine Geelong.

John Stevens will step down from the role, nine years after becoming TGGB’s inaugural chair when it was established in 2013.

Mr Stevens assisted the organisation’s transition from Geelong Otway Tourism, and has helped double visitation to the region while overseeing an increase in membership and investment from all levels of government.

“I am very proud of what TGGB has achieved and have full admiration for the resilience and capability of the industry. I wish Bill, the board, team and the industry all the best with the years to come,” he said.

TGGB executive director Brett Ince thanked Mr Stevens for his successful tenure and looked forward to the board’s transition to its new chair.

“We’re incredibly thankful for John’s passion for the industry over the past nine years, and his enthusiasm in leading the organisation through some pretty significant milestones and achievements during his term,” Mr Ince said.

“We’re sad to see him go but equally excited for the future of our local tourism industry with Bill Mithen leading the charge.

“Bill brings a fresh perspective and new expertise to Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine which will be valuable skills as our region recovers.”

City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor and tourism portfolio chair Trent Sullivan also congratulated Mr Stevens and backed Mr Mithen’s credentials to continue the local industry’s pandemic recovery.