Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive Bill Mithen has been appointed the new chairman of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB).
Mr Mithen has been appointed to the role for three years and will take over from the board’s inaugural chairman, John Stevens, on April 12.
Mr Stevens has served at TGGB chair since 2013, when it transitioned from Geelong Otway Tourism and during his nine-year term had seen visitation to the region double and record levels of investment from all three 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,” Mr Stevens said.
TGGB executve director Brett Ince said he was sad to see John finish up after an incredibly successful and significant term as chairman.
“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.”
Mr Mithen is currently the chief executive at Give Where You Live Foundation, the chairman of Gforce Employment and Recruitment and a member of the Barwon Regional Partnership.
He is the former deputy chairman of Wine Geelong and until recently finished a five-year run as chairman of G21 Geelong Region Alliance.
Mr Mithen has extensive experience in leading businesses, strategic planning, corporate governance and successfully advocating to various levels of government.
“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.
“I’m looking forward to working more closely with Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s fantastic executive director Brett Ince and the extremely capable board.”
Greater Geelong deputy mayor and tourism portfolio chairman Trent Sullivan said Mr Mithen was known as an enterprising and passionate leader.
“I’d like to congratulate Bill and welcome him to the board as chair for when he starts this April. His term will be an incredibly important one as our region recovers from the impacts of the pandemic,” Cr Sullivan said.
“John should be very proud of his memorable nine years at TGGB. He leaves behind an incredible legacy for Bill to step into and the rest of the board to carry on.”
