Acting CEO for top tourism firm
Paul Norris has been appointed Acting CEO of Queenstown tourism giant RealNZ following the resignation of Stephen England-Hall earlier this month.
Norris will step into the role from Friday, 7 April, and will lead RealNZ while the board searches for a new permanent leader.
He has most recently been the company's chief conservation office and prior to that was General Manager and Director of Operations for Real Journeys, one of RealNZ's many businesses.
A media statement from the company describes Norris as a "legend of RealNZ, the tourism industry and conservation for many years".
"Paul’s experience and strong relationships will ensure the continued success of RealNZ over the months ahead," it reads.
Norris says: "I’m grateful to have the confidence from the board and staff to lead RealNZ as the Acting Chief Executive through till the appointment of our new CEO."
The company was founded by Les and Olive, Lady Hutchins in 1954, when they bought the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company as a young couple, with the dream of sharing the spectacular wilderness of Fiordland with the world.
Today it operates Queenstown's TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Experiences, Whakatipu Queenstown Rafting and Jet Boating, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone Ski Resort, Ōtautahi Christchurch International Antarctic Centre , Patea Doubtful Sound Cruises, Piopiotahi Milford Sound Cruises, Te Anau Glowworm Caves Experiences and Rakiura Stewart Island Ferries & Experiences.
Stephen England-Hall resigned after leading a successful rebrand, Covid recovery and multi-million dollar capital raise, one of the largest for any New Zealand tourism firm.
