Tourism Waitaki yesterday appointed a new man to take over the reins from general manager Hugh Packer, who will leave next month.
Melbourne-based Joel Coatsworth, who has more than 12 years' experience in tourism, arts and marketing, was yesterday named as successor to Mr Packer.
Mr Coatsworth will start his new job on October 29.
He said he was looking forward to promoting the region to the rest of the world, and added that leveraging the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (A2O) would be a top priority for Tourism Waitaki.
"The Waitaki district is a wonderful region for tourism and I am looking forward to increasing its potential."
He said he was dedicated to using social media and digital marketing opportunities to promote the region.
Tourism Waitaki chairwoman Annabel Berry said she was "thrilled" at the new appointment.
"Joel brings a combination of international marketing expertise, new media campaign experience and a positive, creative and proactive personality with the ability to put Waitaki on the map. We are thrilled to have him on board."
Mr Coatsworth had previously been working in tourism marketing roles for local government in Melbourne, Australia, she said.
"Being half Kiwi, he is excited about the move to New Zealand and is committed to learning to ride a horse during his time in Oamaru."
