New GM Tourism and Events at Great South

Great South has appointed Mark Frood as GM Tourism and Events for a fixed term through to June 2023.

The appointment is to cover for Bobbi Brown, who is on secondment as project lead for Beyond 2025 Southland, the long-term planning project for the region as part of the Southland Just Transition workplan.

Mark is currently managing director of his own tourism and trade consultancy and begins this role on 28 March.

He has recently worked as International Market Development Manager for Auckland International Airport, been Tourism New Zealand General Manager Asia Markets and has excellent regional tourism expertise through a variety of roles.

Prior to his tourism career, Mark held marketing leadership positions in the agricultural sector across Otago and Southland and knows the region well.

Great South Chief Executive Graham Budd said he was delighted to have someone of Mark’s calibre and experience join Great South, to provide leadership to the tourism and events team as well as lead the tourism and events sector in Southland and Fiordland during this challenging time.

He will support the team to implement the excellent destination management and events strategies that Great South has developed in recent years.

“Mark’s broad marketing and leadership expertise and his deep tourism experience, at both a domestic and international level, will be invaluable and ensure a seamless transition of leadership in the team.

“His appointment is a win/win for Great South and the region, especially now that borders are re-opening and the visitor sector heads into a period of recovery.

“There are many challenges and opportunities still ahead and I know Mark will add significant additional value to an already highly capable team.”

“I’m also delighted that Bobbi Brown has accepted the opportunity to be seconded to lead a very important project on behalf of the region and our many stakeholders.”

Beyond 2025 Southland, Regional Long-Term Plan | he ara whakamua, he ara hou a Murihiku, moving forward new pathways for Southland, is part of the Government-supported Southland Just Transition workplan.

The project will take a fresh look at the Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDs) and will also consider new and future long-term issues.

Learn more about Beyond 2025 Southland.