Glenn Dickson will take on the role in April, following the retirement of Mark Paterson after 40 years at the MLT.
Mr Dickson has been with the trust for almost 20 years, working his way up the ranks to senior manager.
Mr Dickson said it was a privilege to be the chief executive.
"I’m proud to be a part of the MLT — I think it’s awesome what they do: it’s life-changing, and they make a difference."
Technology and innovation were key factors for Mr Dickson, who said there had been some difficult times for the hospitality business, although "we’re slowly coming out the other end".
"The farming sector is improving and when it goes good, so does Gore," he said.
Mr Dickson said he was positive about the trust’s future and he was excited to get out and continue its work in the community.
Licensing trust board president Vince Aynsley said there had been debate about whether to hire in-house or find an outside candidate, but said Mr Dickson had a great track record of operational management.
"The next stage up is to go to the strategic vision.
‘There will be areas we’ll work together to develop that, to get that in the process, and help out," he said.
Mr Paterson said Mr Dickson was the right man for the job.
"I endorsed it.
"I basically took him under my wing over the past 10 years and trained him, as the board wanted me to, to put him in a position where he’s ready to go," Mr Paterson said.
"My reference letter to him would suggest I have 100% confidence in him and I have."
