The regional tourism organisation has announced PNG Air chief executive Paul Abbot as its new CEO.
He will begin in July.
Former Queenstown Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ann Lockhart has been the interim leader of the organisation since last March.
Mr Abbott has spent nine years with PNG in roles covering sales and distribution and passenger services, and was also its chief commercial officer, before becoming chief executive in 2018.
He was previously Toyota Tsuhso’s national marketing manager, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union’s chief executive, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust marketing general manager and Air New Zealand’s international marketing manager.
Currently living in Cairns, he said his first priority in Queenstown would be to "listen and learn" to gain a full understanding of what stakeholders believed the issues were and what needed to be done.
"In the current environment it will be particularly vital to involve the relevant stakeholders in the building and implementation of plans.
"Open and clear communication will be essential."
DQ chairman Richard Thomas said he and the board were delighted to appoint Mr Abbot, who brought a broad range of skills to the role.
"At a time when Queenstown is facing unprecedented challenges, Paul’s experience in stakeholder engagement, tourism and marketing management and his communications-led approach will be welcomed.
Originally from Opotiki, Mr Abbott said he, his wife, and youngest son were looking forward to returning to New Zealand.
